thehaven

We stayed in a converted farm Hotel, a couple of miles from Zahara. Idyllic, peace quite and a visual conucopia of mountains and birds.
Rhonda is expansive, but do visit the ‘mine’ on the arab side and the bull ring.
Cadiz is a lovelly city, we loved it even though we had our hire car towed and were rammed by a local in the mountains, on our way there.
The alhambra has been written about by people for years. Don’t read about it, go!
Gibralta, god Bless her and her fish and chips, pubs and British Home Stores.
Drive along the coast and see how the whole vista, up toward the mountains has been totally ruined by ex-pats having their place in Spain. Tear them all down!!!

St Petersburg is a more young and friendly city, than Moscow. After a 7 hour train journey, we arrived in a city with English signs as well as Crylic. What a blessing after Moscow.
the Hermitage is an overdose of culture. Think La Louvre with oppulent decor. It could not be done in one day. See what you can take, then think about a second visit.
The Fortress, however is a two day afair, which you can use your entry ticket to go back to. Too much to write about, but go see!
The Spilled Blood cathederal is spectacular, similar to St Basils on the outside but amazing inside. Completely covered in murals. The little market to the side is worth a visit.
St Issacs for the views, if you can take the steps. It says 200, but does not mention the extra 50-60, outside. It is also amazing on the inside.
Stroll along Nevsky and admire the lovely girls, tourists and occasional war veteran beggar.

We stayed in the National, overlooking Red Square, exquisite! St Basils, was disappointing, better outside than in. It looks beautiful, all the cupula are different, not just in colour, but design as well. Inside are a number of small chapels, on the upper floors, not the large expanse we were expecting. The Russian museum is well worth a visit.The square is a wonderous site to see at night, when it is all lit up. Unfortunately Lenin was off for his annual overhaul, so I cannot comment on that.
The Kremlin has a museum, which will make your eyes bleed. Full of examples of the oppulence of the Czars. The chapels have Gold Cupula, inside are large chapel areas, worth seeing.
Gorki Pak has a russian version of the Space Shuttle on display, however it and the funfair look a bit jaded.
Visit Moscow, at least once. You will see more Maybach, BMW, Audi and Mercedes limosines than any other place in the world.

The expanse of the ancient sites, is amazing. To have seen Athens 2000 years ago must have been breathtaking.
The Acropolis has better views, but the Ancient Agora is my favourite.
Athens as a city lacks class, however.

La Rambla, people painted black, gold or silver, pretending to be Statues. What is that all about.
The Sacred Family Temple is well worth a visit.
The Nou Camp, even a walk in the shadow of such a famous ground is awe inspiring.
Promenade along the sea front and feel jealous of the people who have it everyday.

Visit this beautiful city, and walk the streets of the centre, trek up to the castle and view the city aroud you.
Visit the parliament building and wonder who thought that up?
Was it a joke? Edinburgh deserves better.
See the Forth Bridge, and see if you can find the first three. :)

Hong Kong, just go there!
It is alive, hustle bustle, it is quiet and tranquil, it is beautiful.
The Kowloon peninsula down to Hong Kong island, fill your shopping bags, empty your wallet.
The peak, see the views, marvel at the size of the island below.
Lantau Island, for the Giant Buddha. Walk through the valley back to civilisation.

A lovely country park, just on the outskirts of Gravesend, easy access off the A2.
Untouched woodland, with views over the Thames. A new visitors centre is due to be completed in May 2006. Prior to that, go to the little hut, that is there at the moment, grab a double-decker sandwich (bacon & egg) then walk it off.

Although I have lived in London for 25 years, Belfast is still my home town.
The city centre is alive, bars, cafes and restaurants to match the best in the world. I still get a buzz going back.

Walk the hills of Buda and the flats of Pest.
Visit the caves above Buda, cheap and spectacular. Take a boat trip along the Danube. Enjoy the tranquility of Margaret Island.
Most of all enjoy the evenings walking the streets, and spend time ‘people watching’ from a pavement cafe.