Aberdeen, in the heart of Scotland’s Grampian Highlands, is an ideal destination for art, history and culture that is slightly off the beaten track. Scotland’s third largest city was inspiration for the well known Scottish folk song The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen which portrays a well worn Scottish theme: that of extreme homesickness when away from my “home native land” and celebrates the spectacular phenomenon of Aurora Borealis.

Places of interest:

Aberdeen was established in 1179, and her fortunes were transformed by Robert Bruce’s 1319 Charter, in recognition of his gratitude to the people of Aberdeen who had sheltered him during his campaign against the English. Since 1509 when the renowned University of Aberdeen was established, Aberdeen has been an academic centre of Europe, which influences a great many of the cultural and historical activities on offer in the city and its surrounding areas.

Described by Queen Elizabeth II as “my dear place in the Highlands” Balmoral Castle offers visitors guided tours of the gardens, historical exhibitions and luxury safari in the Caledonian Pine Forest, where visitors can catch glimpses of Scottish wildlife. Another ancestral home continuously inhabited for over 400 years is Haddo House. Visitors can enjoy Gordon family ancestral portraits, memorabilia, the old stables and traditional Scottish tea room. Opera, ballets and plays are presented from May to October. The NorthEast Falconry Centre offers a uniquely close experience with Scotland’s birds of prey. Introduction to Falconry, outside demonstrations and walks with hawks are just some of the exciting and educational activities on offer. Aberdeen Art Galleries and Museums comprises Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Lord Provost’s house and The Tollbooth in one site, and offers a varied programme of events and exhibitions. The Art Gallery hosts collections dating back to the 18th century of fine art, and the Maritime museum exults in the region’s proud seafaring traditions. The Tollbooth is made up of 17th century cells, and the Lord Provost’s House portrays the elegance and ritual of upper class Highland living.

Things to do:

Aberdeen offers a whole host of recreational activities to enjoy. From parks to museums, tourists will never be bored while in Aberdeen.

Storybook Glen in Royal Teeside is a magical adventureland set over 28 acres where kids and adults can see their favourite fairy-tales and nursery rhymes come to life, and wonder at the natural beauty of waterfalls, brooks and flora. The Gordon Highlanders Museum celebrates the history and culture of over two centuries of one of Scotland’s greatest kilted regiments, the Gordon Highlanders. For family entertainment, it is hard to beat Sunset Boulevard, an indoor entertainment centre that offers bowling, dodgems, games and an adventureland – perfect for the Scottish weather! Known as the “jewel in the crown” of the city’s fantastic parks, The David Welch Winter Gardens boasts a Tropical House featuring flora from South and Central America, an Acrid House which creates desert conditions for exotic cacti to flourish, and a Corridor of Perfumes which celebrates the variety of perfumes from different plant species. A visit to the Lighthouse and Harbour Master is a don’t-miss to learn about Scotland’s marine history, and find out what ships will be arriving in the port and when. The world’s sixth oldest golf club, The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club may be able to lay claim to being the site of the invention of the game of golf. Today the club retains the old world elegance of a gentlemen’s club, and boasts a healthy membership of both local and overseas golf enthusiasts who enjoy the stunning Balgowie Course, which has played host to many major tournaments.

Food & Drink:

There are a number of fine locations to dine at while in Aberdeen. No matter what a tourist’s preferences are, Aberdeen offers something to appeal to everyone’s tastes.

The Stage Door Restaurant is the destination for a step-back-in-time dining experience. Situated in the old Aberdeen Union & Music Hall, the restaurant is furnished in art deco style with many of the original architectural features surviving, and serves inimitable and innovative seafood delights. For the best fish and chips in the UK, The Ashvale cannot be beaten for traditional fare. The Square boasts great value high quality dining, including Gluten free options, an extensive kids’ menu and even regular visitors can experience variety thanks to the menu that changes every three months. Italian Deli Delight is a relaxed café by day and buzzing restaurant by night, serving up mouth-watering Italian cuisine at all times.

Hotels & Accommodation:

From family run, family friendly establishments to self catering cottages and apartments to West End four star luxuries, Aberdeen offers accommodation to suit every taste and budget.

Waterwheel Inn The Edwardian Hotel Britannia Hotel Aberdeen Royal Hotel Station Hotel Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen Bimini Guest House Macdonald Ardoe House Hotel Udny Arms Hotel Express by Holiday Inn Aberdeen Speedbird Inn Aberdeen Airport Thistle Aberdeen Airport Thistle Aberdeen Altens Thistle Aberdeen Caledonian Dyce Skean Dhu The Spires Serviced Suites Antrim Guest House Summerhill Hotel and Suites

Entertainment

The Lemon Tree is known as the world’s only year round festival, presenting a constant programme of theatre, dance and musical spectaculars, and national touring West End theatre is also on offer at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Cinema is also well represented, with a UGC and local Belmont Theatre. For clubbing to international DJs, Ministry is the best bet, or DeNiros is a local clubbing option, playing Top 40 and House music. World class shopping is available at St Nicholas Centres and in the historical district around Union Street. The Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre hosts international touring music acts and sporting events.

Aberdeen is truly the jewel of the Highlands, offering world class dining, nightlife and cultural and historical attractions to satisfy visitors of all ages and interests. The architecture of Aberdeen is distinctive and visually stunning, carved as it is from silver granite, creating a cityscape unrivalled in its beauty. Aberdeen boasts a cosmopolitan diversity, having been a premier Northern European trading port for many generations, enjoying centuries of established links with Scandinavian traders and Asian merchants. Nestled in the craggy landscape of the North East Highlands, and set against the romantically bleak North Sea, Aberdeen offers breathtaking views that have more in common with Scandinavian countries than the British Isles, and culture and history resplendent in maritime tradition Celtic heritage. The oil capital of Europe is also home to a thriving nightlife and theatre scene, just one in many contradictions that make up this intriguing ancient city.

 

London is synonymous with Big Ben. It is a 316-foot clock tower that was constructed in 1858. In actuality, Big Ben is the 14 ton chime bell that hangs at the top of the tower. Unfortunately, the original bell cracked in 1857 and had to be restored. There are several theories behind the name of ‘Big Ben’. Some of them are: the bell got its name from Sir Benjamin Hall, who was affectionately called Big Ben in the House of Commons and that It was nicknamed after a former heavyweight champion boxer called Ben Caunt.

 

Big Ben is located at, and is an important component of, the Westminster Palace or the House of Parliament. When the Parliament is in session, the symbolic light above the Big Ben glows. UK residents are permitted to take a conducted tour to the top of the tower with the help of a local Member of Parliament. The Houses of Parliament consists of over 1000 rooms and the corridors run for 2 miles.

 

The government of UK is divided into two sections: House of Commons and House of Lords. The House of Commons is an elected body, but the House of Lords appoints people without elections. Most of the people who are seated in the House of Lords are selected due to their hereditary rights or they are politically appointed. This chamber is undertaking some alterations to change this scenario according to the present day norms.

 

When the Parliament is in session, the local residents of England can view the proceedings from the public galleries in both the Houses. However, you have to ensure that your local MP or a Lord has arranged for a ticket so that you can enter the premises. This is part of Big Ben’s attraction to the locals living in and around Westminster Palace. The Public Committee sessions can be visited by everyone. Even the press can visit the. These occur from Monday to Friday while the Parliament is in session. In this case, the guests are not provided with any prior tickets but they can line up beforehand.

 

For visitors from abroad, the facilities are same, but are only open during Summer. They can visit and see the proceedings of the House of Parliament, as part of the sightseeing tour which includes Big Ben. London has much more to offer in terms of attractions and activities for a tourist. Book a London hotel and explore the city and its outskirts at leisure. The Gatwick London Hotel is highly recommended for tourists.

 

The young Portuguese football player phenomenon Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro has become the centre fold of attention in Europe now that he plays with the Manchester United as well as around the world.

Ronaldo was born in Funchal, Madeira Portugal in 1985 and has been known for his natural born talent since he was an infant. By eight years of age he was already playing with Andorinha and just a couple of years later two top teams were interested in having Ronaldo as part of their groups; Ronaldo then signed with CD Nacional and subsequently became part of Sporting.

His early career steps were very difficult as he struggled with his team mates and the fact he was living in a different city – Lisbon. But his outstanding performance set the differences between him and the rest of the players. His first international debut was at the UEFA Under 17 Championship.

In 2003 he was then quickly spotted by Sir Alex Ferguson of the Manchester United at the friendly match at the Alvalade XXI stadium between Sporting and Manchester. Ronaldo’s abilities as a two-footer player allow him to play on both wings and be an volatile and tricky winger besides his utmost technical skills and air game became the facts which engaged Ferguson’s quest to acquire the footballer.

Ronaldo is the first Portuguese player to ever play with the club; his contract was for £12.24 millions. During his time with the Manchester club Ronaldo obtained the FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year Award in 2005, he also ranked among the FIFA’s top players and he was awarded the Barclays Player of month (2006). More recently, there were rumours the young Red Devil would leave the British and would play for the Real Madrid that was willing to play over 80 million Euros for the transfer; but those shadows were hastily dissolved as he was offered a five-year contract extension and £120,000 weekly to remain with the club.

For this year’s campaign; Ronaldo has shown that he is the man who gets the job done as the club is leading the table of rankings of the English Premier League while he keeps scoring goals; a total of 27 in all games just this season. The Portuguese’s potential seems to increase as he continues to play therefore it is very likely Ronaldo will stay in England for a good amount of time.

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The city of Boston is frequently referred to as the gateway to New England. It is the capital of Massachusetts, and the largest city in New England. There is plenty to do for young and old alike in Boston, making it a great destination for a holiday to New England.

Boston lies on a peninsula, with the Massachusetts Bay on one side and the Back Bay on the other. It became one of the wealthiest cities in North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, which led to a great many cultural buildings being built during this era.

The Public Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the USA, with its flower gardens, trees, grassy lawns and lakes. The most famous part of The Public Garden’s is of course the Swan Boats, to take you on a graceful ride around the lakes.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace was built in 1742, and now houses over one hundred shops and restaurants. Great for shopping or for sampling the local cuisine, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a “must see” in Boston. The restaurants feature many local favourites such as clam chowder, and Boston baked beans!

The Museum of Fine Arts is Boston’s oldest and most respected art institution. It is home to a lot of early American art, as well as Egyptian and Impressionist collections. There is also a fine collection of French art.

Many of the famous historic buildings make up the Freedom Trail, which is marked out with red lines or bricks. These are buildings that played some significance in the American Revolution. The trail includes Paul Revere’s house (home to the night time messenger that warned Samuel Adams and John Hancock of the British Army’s planned movements), Faneuil Hall (a meeting point for revolutionaries), Granary Burial Ground (where Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere are buried), Bunker Hills, the site of Benjamin Franklin’s birth, and the Old State House (where the Declaration of Independence was first read).

Not on the trail for obvious reasons is the USS Constitution. This ship is 200 years old and is the oldest commissioned warship in the US Navy. Still afloat the ironclad/ironside ship gives some of the most spectacular views of the city of Boston.

One of the most visited attractions in Boston is the New England Aquarium. With a massive 200,000 gallon tank, with giant turtles swimming in it, it is a fantastic sight to behold.

Home to the universities of Harvard and MIT, the city has a vibrant atmosphere in the evenings. There are plenty of restaurants and venues with live music to entertain you after a day of sightseeing or retail therapy!

Steeped in history, great for shopping and abundant with evening entertainment, Boston makes a great destination for your New England holiday.

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I filmed this on a day off in London in September 2005. Taken from the top of the London Eye, with a good view across the city, and looking right down onto Parliament.

earching for a stag party destination with a unique element, but don’t want the expense of travelling overseas? Well a stag party in Edinburgh will provide exactly that, and here I shall provide a little bit more detail why Edinburgh makes such a great destination.

Edinburgh City:

The first thing that hits you about Edinburgh is that it is a stunning city, with beautiful old buildings, lofted up on a hills and nestled in valleys. on occasion it seems like the buildings are actually built into and out of the rock.

Edinburgh Stag Activities:

With its rugged mountainous scenery Edinburgh lends itself to an amazing range of activities – many of which you cannot do anywhere else in the UK, such as river rafting, canyoning, duckies, gorge scrambling and river bugging. If you don’t want any of those then there are also many old favourites such as paintball games, quads, clay pigeon shooting and archery.

Edinburgh Nightlife:

Edinburgh comes alive at night and has a amazing variety of restaurants, pubs, clubs and exclusive bars that will fit all tastes. During the summer months Edinburgh becomes a Festival city, with events running back to back through July and August.

Edinburgh Accommodation

Due to its popularity with stag weekends and the general public, getting a hotel can become problematic – in particular during the summer festival period. However, there are plenty of hostels in Edinburgh which are a greatful option for the budget traveller, and for those with a little more funds, apartments offer another excellent quality choice to costly hotels.

Singapore is not all about the fast paced city life style, stress induced traffic jams and a culture that ruches in and out and tries to squeeze you out of the picture – so they can get to the latest bargains and be the first in the queue of something seemingly important. Singapore realises that there is a time for speed, and there is a time to languish, and the entertainment scene has responded while, with an outcropping of many live lounges and relaxing bars for visitors, locals and tourists alike.

Its time to get out of the hotel and into the city. Sure, the hotel lounge is great but all you get to meet or usually other tourists! Singapore has a wide selection of lounges that will appeal to the senses and soothe you back to a meditative state with soft tones and a great martini. Balcony Bar and Alley Bar are some of the soft shadow lounges, dark, lit by candle light and draped with unobtrusive music that just lingers in your ear and reminds you of how good it is to just lay back and relax. In fact Orchard Road is filled with such live lounges, and Alley Bar and its sister Acid Bar, has some of the greatest jazz of blues local singers on offer.

Want something more up beat and groovy? Bars like Brix at Orchard Road and Thumper at Good Wood park hotel are just some of the relaxing lounges you can try to while the night away. They have imported foreign talents, with some of the best rnb live acts and pop incarnations you will ever see. The ambience is unmatched, plush sofa seats and well made drinks in an environment just made for chilling and relaxing are some of the things you can expect when you do come to any one of these places. Brix Bar and Lounge is slightly louder and more energetic, with a band that goes from soft sounds to hard pop and famous rock ballads by the end of the night. The crowd is friendly and the beer cold, two important factors for anyone looking for a good night out.

Hop on down to Clarke Quay and jive on down to places like Pump Room, Arena and Bellini Room. Early hours, these places are lounges that boast some great live bands – and is later transformed into a club when the midnight chime approaches. Le Noir lounge and the Loof in North Bridge Road are also some of the places you can head down to for a quiet night out.

In actual fact there are tons of places that offer good seating, great drinks and even better live music all over Singapore. You just know where to look and usually word of mouth is one of the best ways to get to where you want to go. You could be hanging in some outback lounge listening to the Prince of Wales or even 72 storeys up; taking in the sounds of jazz and rock high in the sky.

Two Brewers K & M 4