Quirky Traveller's Tales

Any seasoned traveller will tell you that Morocco is famous for its confusing medinas (the older area of a city) and even the most confident of visitors are likely to get lost wandering around these wonderfully perplexing places.

Have no fear though, losing your way is all part of the fun on a trip to Morocco and with a number of ways to get yourself back on track again, why not embrace the unknown and take the opportunity to really immerse yourself in North African life?

Here are some top tips from Audley Travel for finding your way if you get lost in one of Morocco’s medinas:

1.  In each city, make sure you know how to get back to your hotel from a main tourist site, then ask for directions to this area if you get lost. In Marrakesh, for example, ask for directions back to the Djemaa El Fna.

2.  Take a photo of easily identifiable landmarks near to your hotel and use these as a guide if you get lost. Taller buildings that can be clearly spotted throughout the city are best.

3.  Keep your hotel address handy when out and about. As Arabic is the official language of Morocco, ask your hotel to write the address in Arabic for you before you leave. It is also worth writing it down in French as this too is widely spoken.

4.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there are always plenty of friendly people around. But perhaps ask a stall owner – someone behind a counter is less likely to accompany you on your onward journey!

5.  Don’t panic!  The sprawling alleyways and seemingly endless twists and turns of Morocco’s medinas can seem a bit intimidating and overwhelming if you do find yourself lost, but never fear, we haven’t heard of anyone not making it back to their hotel yet!

If you use these tips, you will get back on track eventually and, in the meantime, enjoy your surroundings –  it’s all part of a trip to Morocco!

This post is brought to you by Audley Travel, an award–winning tour operator specialising in tailor-made trips and small group tours for the discerning traveller, to over 80 countries around the world.

In this article for the World Travel Blogger series, Darren Cronian encourages us to visit the great outdoors in and around his home town, the Yorkshire city of Leeds.. 

There are a great many pleasant green parks and open spaces in Leeds and nearby, where you, your family and friends can get active, roam around the gardens, discover wildlife and nature or simply relax. I think Leeds has some of the best parks in Europe, and I love to explore them.  Here are six of my favourites and come highly recommended when visiting the city.

Roundhay Park

One of the most popular parks in Leeds has to be Roundhay Park with its superb expanses of parkland, gardens, lakes, and woodlands, as well as the stimulating Tropical World, which includes a vast collection of tropical plants, its stunning profusion of colourful butterflies, and its magnificent aquariums.   While you are walking around Roundhay Park make sure you visit the award winning Chelsea Flower show gardens, including the impressive Alhambra Garden, which is was inspired by one of the world’s most famous gardens, the 13th century garden at Alhambra, Spain.  Add to this, bowling greens, a canoe club, tennis courts, football and cricket pitches and a grass cycling track, and you have one fantastic day out.

Golden Acre Park

Six miles from the centre of Leeds is Golden Acre Park at Bramhope, with gardens and woodland around a beautiful lake. Golden Acre Park is home to lots of wildlife including wild birds, deer, fox, rabbits and squirrels. Next to the park is Breary Marsh, a local nature reserve, and an important conservation site.

Meanwood Valley Trail

Meanwood Valley Trail runs seven miles from Golden Acre Park to Woodhouse Moor near the University of Leeds, taking in Meanwood Park and Adel Woods on the way. Adel Woods are totally fascinating in themselves, with old aqueducts, and an old bunker the purpose of which seems to have been lost in the mists of time. The path is well-signposted, so no need to worry about getting lost.

Rodley Nature Reserve

Not a park as such but a hidden gem of a place that the kids will love. Situated outside of the city centre, but accessible by car, and public transport is Rodley Nature Reserve. Located next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, it is a great place to find wildlife with species such as dragonfly and woodpecker often found here.  Have a picnic, or walk around the reserve. Kids can hire nets and visit the ponds to discover local wildlife.

Otley Chevin Forest Park

About ten miles from Leeds is Otley Chevin Forest Park. Explore the slopes and paths of this huge park which is dominated by rock formations that rise to a height of 280m above sea level. Climb to Surprise View and admire the breathtaking scenery of the market town of Otley and the Wharfe Valley. The park is a great place to participate in activities like orienteering, geocaching and mountain biking.

Hollies Botanical Gardens

The Hollies Botanical gardens consists of twenty-two hectares of land and is home to four National Council collections for the conservation of plants and gardens. The site also benefits from flowering rhododendrons and azaleas, herbaceous borders, mature plants and large woodland walks.

Park Square

Finally, back in the city centre is one of the best place in Leeds for relaxing. Park Square is quiet and seldom crowded; there are plenty of sandwich shops just around the corner where you can lay on the grass in the sunshine or sit on a bench and read a book. The remarkable St Paul’s House on the south side of the park was built in 1878 by Thomas Ambler, its parapets and minarets were inspired by drawings of the Alhambra, the Moorish palace in Granada.

The city is literally on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales, a beautiful, scenic part of the country and well worth a visit, especially, Bolton Abbey which is only a short car journey from the city centre.

I hope this guide has given you an idea on some of the parks and open spaces, which makes Leeds a great place to visit if you want to let the kids run off some steam. I am biased being Leeds born and bred, but I seriously believe that the city has some of the best open spaces and parks in Europe.

Darren Cronian is the editor of an online guide called My Life in Leeds. The guide is written by local people who love sharing their experiences and recommendations on things to do in Leeds. You can also find Darren on Face Book and Twitter

Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world.  Even if you haven’t seen the Colosseum and the Forum for yourself, you’ve probably seen enough pictures to make you feel like you’ve been there. But if you think that’s all there is to this ancient city, think again.  There are a great many glorious places that you might not have heard of, but that are still certainly worth a visit.  So you need to book one of the cheap flights from Monarch and get yourself to Rome to see some of its hidden wonders.  Here are 5 sights in Rome that you will most certainly enjoy …

San Giovanno in Laterano 

Interior of San Giovanni in Laterano

Everyone knows of St. Peter’s, but what they don’t know is that this church is actually more important to the Vatican, Rome and Christendom. The oldest Basilica in Rome, San Giovanni in Laterano is the site where the Pope must officiate church before he is considered the leader of the Catholic Church. It’s a staggering building, in its vastness, its stunning architecture and its contents.

Il Genio di Leonardo da Vinci Museo

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most influential Italian’s that ever lived, and this is where you’ll find out why. Interactive and charming, Il Genio di Leonardo da Vinci Museo in the Palazzo della Cancelleria is not well known, but it should be. On a visit, you’ll get the chance to actually try out replicas of many of the contraptions designed by the great man himself. Great fun for kids or simply fascinating for any adult with an interest in history or design.

Aventine Hill

Rose Garden – Aventine Hill

Unlike the ruins at the Forum, you’ll find the original Roman architecture on Aventine Hill less crowded and more peaceful. There’s so much to look at, from a collection of beautiful little churches, to a stunning orange garden and the Square of the Knights of Malta. But the principle site involves the staggering view you can see through an ancient keyhole… ask any of the resident priests who populate the area and they’ll be happy to direct you to it.

Trastevere Rome

Trastevere

If you’d rather avoid the tourists but you’re still looking for a bit of that famous Italian bustle, Trastevere is the place to go. This lively and very Roman area of Rome is made up of cobbled streets full of fun cafés, unique shops and workshops and plenty of history. Every Sunday morning, the famous Porta Portese flea market takes over the town. It seems as though all the street vendors in Rome collect here for a few hours, so if you’re looking to do a bit of haggling and to buy a few souvenirs, you should definitely visit at this time. Make sure you don’t let the main streets of moderate tackiness distract you from the smaller side streets, where you can find the real, quality goodies.  Rome Flights with Monarch will land you in the heart of this glorious city so don’t miss the opportunity to get a souvenir of real Italian style.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo – Rome

There are a lot of steps to climb to visit the fortress of Castel Sant’Angelo, but when you see the views from the top, you’ll realise it was absolutely worth it. You’ll be able to get right inside the underground network of the building, which was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, but has since been used as a Papal fortress, a castle and a prison. There are all sorts of interesting artefacts to look at in the gorgeous rooms, but nothing beats the sight of the Vatican and the whole of Rome from the café on the terrace outside.

This article is brought to you by Monarch Airlines.

In high summer, a city break chock full of cultural tours and high-energy activities might not be what you’re after. But European city breaks don’t have to mean nonstop sightseeing and packed schedules. Laidback lounging is what continental cities do best.

Clement climates mean pleasant public parks, wide piazzas for people-watching and ample roof terraces for a sneaky siesta. So sit back with a little sangria or a small aperitif and plan your next stimulating but meditative city break.

Rome

This is one of those sparkling cities where anything can happen. With fascinating architectural ruins on every corner and shrines to Catholic saints adorning every back street, wandering aimlessly with no destination in mind will reap you many rewards.

Of course The Vatican, the Coliseum and the Pantheon, all within a short bus or taxi ride of each other are must-sees. Don’t visit in scorching July and August. Rome hotels will have many vacancies, but once the locals make their mass summer exodus to the seaside the city is unusually quiet.

Berlin

Berlin is a wild and wonderful city for sampling elegant museums, contemporary galleries and surprisingly good cuisine: if spicy sausages are your thing, you won’t be disappointed. Berlin is a malleable melting point of Turkish, Vietnamese and Italian cultures which means fresh kebabs, notoriously good noodle soup, excellent coffee and creamy handmade ice-cream are widely available throughout the city. The upmarket Mitte district teems with young professionals, tech hipsters and Japanese sushi joints.

Barcelona

Spain holidaysare usually filled with Miro, margaritas and moonlit magic. The tapas everywhere is excellent, especially grilled seafood on Las Ramblas, but it isn’t cheap. To get more for your money, consider renting a cheap villa. A shared self-catering apartment with a pool in a beautiful location offers excellent value for money especially if you’re holidaying in a big group.

San Sebastian

If you’re facing a city versus beach holiday dilemma, this might be just the ticket. The northern part of Spain might offer an alternative beach experience. Cities in the gourmet Basque country, like San Sebastian, are great options for a fun-filled break by the sea with a more rural feel.

Lisbon

With some of the best seafood in Europe on every street corner, Lisbon is one of the most popular destinations. Turn up in November and you’ll be in for one of the warmest winters in Europe. Nautical museums and seaside motifs abound, especially in Portugal hotels which are charmingly rustic. Aim for one with a view of the 16^th Century Jerónimos Monastery.

This article is brought to you by Hayes & Jarvis.

So much has been written about Palma, the elegant capital of Majorca, that it seems superfluous to add too much, so here are some photos with a few words to explain why I chose them:

The Arab Baths: Hidden in a tiny street behind the cathedral this tranquil place is the only surviving relic of Medina Mayurca, the Moorish city, and probably dates from about the 10th century AD.  I first visited over 25 years ago and it has hardly changed – well-worth searching out.

Mariano the guitarist: On the Sunday we visited Palma, soulful guitar music could be heard by the cathedral.  Mariano Miranda is a well-known classical guitarist whose music seems to capture the essence of this charming island and the passion of Spain.  He spent almost half an hour explaining to me the origins of some of the pieces he was playing and back home I only have to play one of his CDs to be immediately transported back to that perfect day.

The Galera: One of the most famous sights in Palma are the galeras, horse-drawn carriages that clip-clop round at a leisurely pace; a gentle way to view this lovely city.  I have vague memories of many years ago being taken on one of these rides in the early hours of the morning by a very romantic sailor I had met in a bar on the quay!

Casa Rei: This marvellous facade is of the Casa Rei, designed by Modernist (Spanish Art Nouveau) silversmith Lluis Forteza Rei has echoes of that other famous Catalan architect, Antonio Gaudi.  The lavish mosaic façade and ornate iron-work are exquisite and there’s a dragon spread over a balcony that’s the epitome of quirky …

The Cafe: Cafe society is vibrant in Palma and round every corner are tables set out on pavements where locals and tourists drink, chat and watch the world go by.  This one is right beside the cathedral and provides a quiet escape from the crowds.

Palma Cathedral: And finally, La Sei Cathedral, one of largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. From a distance it looks rather like a huge galleon drifting on the shores of the island and at night its splendour is brightly lit for all to see.  Built on the site of a Moorish mosque, the cathedral was started in 1230.  At the start of the 20th century, Gaudi redesigned some of the interior and introduced electric lighting. There was a service going on when I visited so I was fortunate enough to see it fully lit; the chanting, choral singing and smell of incense combined with glorious stained-glass windows and elaborate chapels to create a kaleidoscope of sensory delight.

Many thanks to LowCostHolidays for a lovely holiday on Majorca.  To get around the island there’s car hire at Palma Airport. (You could use the fairly decent public transport system but for a car is much easier!)

Other QT places visited on this trip include Puerto Pollensa, Alcudia and the Caves Of Drach in Porto Cristo.

There’s no getting around the fact that Bondi is Australia’s most iconic beach. For visitors to Sydney it’s often one of the ‘must dos’ while in town. But beyond this busy beach lie many kilometers of other beaches and seaside areas to explore.

Perhaps the most neglected beaches on the ‘tourist’ circuit are those lying north of the Harbour. This stretch of dramatic headlands, known collectively as the ‘northern beaches’ is an area worth exploring.

If you have limited time in Sydney take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly where you can explore the harbour beach, little manly, the ocean beach and the secluded Shelly beach. A number of walks, including a foray up onto North Head where you can look over the mouth of the harbour and whole city, are also well worth the effort.

If you are feeling adventurous, hire a car and make your way even further north.  You could spend a week getting to know the area but you can also cover a lot with a day up your sleeve. There’s plenty to see but make a note to stop in at the following ‘highlights’:

• Freshwater: Literally a stone throw from Manly’s busy corso this neighbouring patch of sand – famous as the birthplace of surfing in Australia – is as sheltered as beaches come. If you want to take the area in with a walk park at the beach, cross the sand and follow the path round the headland to Curl Curl beach where you can walk along a boardwalk with the ocean at your fingertips.

• Dee Why: One beach along from Freshwater and you hit the buzzing café culture centre of Dee Why. This is a classic Sydney beach hang out. Sit and enjoy breakfast or lunch while board bearing surfers trudge back and forth, bare footed and toothy grinned.

• Narrabeen: For something slightly different – away from the waves – head to Narabeen lagoon where you can enjoy bushwalking, skimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, bird watching or even a spot of sailing. The two square kilometre body of water is one of the northern beaches greatest natural assets.

• Mona Vale: If you don’t have a car, Mona Vale is one of the easiest beaches to access via public transport. It also has swimming options for everyone. The one kilometre of beach is wild and wavy for the strong swimmer and surfers among us. For those who prefer calmer waters the 300 metre semi circular basin and nearby ocean pool at the north end provide perfect refuge.

• Avalon: Avalon boasts one of the best village atmospheres on the beaches. Drop in here for lunch at one of the many cafes or a look around the boutiques. If you have time, head back from the village into the suburb of Clareville where you can watch the boats on the beautiful Pittwater and find tiny secluded beaches to while away the afternoon on.

• Palm: Palm Beach attracts visitors for a number of reasons. For those who are Home and Away fans it’s almost a place of pilgrimage. But beyond ‘Summer Bay’ Palm Beach’s long peninsula is a must see. Host to some of Sydney’s most exclusive homes this is prime real estate territory. Take a dip and head up to the Barrenjoey lighthouse – only a short walk from the Pittwater side of the beach – for magnificent views.

All these fab beaches are easily accessible from Sydney’s City Centre so there’s no excuse not to see this area for yourself. With the amount of cheap airfares in and out of Sydney these days flights to Sydney are easy to come by. Start planning your Australian beaches foray today!

Author Gemma Deavin loves Sydney beaches and looks forward to discovering more. This article is brought to Quirky Traveller in collaboration with cheapflights