Posted March 17, 2010 by BookingBuddy
It’s time to put your best green foot forward and celebrate with a brew as St. Patrick’s Day rolls around once again. While green may be the traditional colour for this day, it’s not the most appetising colour for a pint of beer (and just think what all that food colouring is doing to your insides). Treat yourself to some real Irish beer instead, either at a pub, or better still, visit the brewery to try a pint straight from the tap.
Guinness – This thick, foamy stout is possibly the most famous beer to flow from Dublin. The original brewery at St. James’s Gate has been pumping out countless pints of the stuff since 1759, and is still going strong to this day. Fans of the beer can also take a peek into the manufacturing process at the Storehouse, a seven-story museum dedicated to Guinness.
Smithwick’s – Marketed as “ Ireland’s Oldest Ale”, this red ale comes from the scenic city of Kilkenny. The brewery – St. Francis Abbey Brewery – stands on the ruins of a Franciscan abbey, and records show that monks have been producing ale on the site since the 14th century. This year marks the 300th anniversary of the Smithwick’s brand, and the brewery is planning some events to celebrate the momentous birthday.
Murphy’s Irish Stout – This sweet, milky stout comes from picturesque County Cork, and although it may not be as famous as Guinness, it certainly has its fair share of fans. Murphy’s also sponsors ‘Little Big Nights Out’, with lots of free gigs, festivals and delicious food in various venues around Cork.
(Photo: brownstoner.com)
Posted January 6, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Skiing may be a fun way to stick to your New Year’s resolution to ‘exercise more’, but going to the same resorts in the Alps and seeing the same faces every year can get a little boring. So why not venture further afield and explore some more unusual ski destinations this season? You’ll be rewarded with unusual scenery and much lower prices, and you won’t have to waste hours queuing for the ski lifts with hordes of teenagers on their annual school ski trip.
Zakopane, Poland – This scenic town has been a well-kept Polish secret for ages, but more British skiers in the know have been venturing over there recently. Quad biking and snowmobiling are also available for adrenalin junkies, while those who prefer a slower pace can go for sleigh rides drawn by cute Polish ponies. All this activity can make a person really hungry, and the town offers a range of restaurants to satisfy your grumbling tummy. Choose from huge barbecued Polish sausages, hearty Italian meals, or even fondue-style meals.
Oukaimeden, Morocco – Skiing may not be an activity you associate with Marrakech, but there’s plenty of it available in this tiny ski resort about 45 miles from the city. Many families spend their time sledging, while others go simply for the view – at over 2600m, Oukaimeden is the highest ski resort in Africa and offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
Chimgan, Uzbekistan - The Tian-Shan mountain range provides an impressive backdrop to this picturesque ski resort about 85km from Tashkent. Most slopes are geared towards beginners, and the area is hugely popular with families. The rental station also provides snowboards and sleds for those who want to try something else. If you prefer a break from the slopes, the village nearby has horses for hire, and some villagers are willing to take in guests for a small fee. The resort itself has a vibrant nightlife, with several clubs playing throbbing dance music through the night.
(Photo: touruz.narod.ru)
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