HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE - HOTEL BARGE
If a Self-Drive Barge Holiday is not for you and you still wish to enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of the French inland waterways, then a Hotel Barge Holiday may be the answer. This is an enjoyable and relaxing way of discovering the beauty of rural France.
You can explore the French countryside on board a small, floating luxury hotel, attended by an experienced crew, ready to meet your every need. Hosting a small number of guests means attention to detail and an exceptional level of service and cuisine. Hotel Barges have all the modern comforts, with accommodation based on twin and double-bedded staterooms and suites, all with private en-suite shower or bathroom.
The finest regional cuisine is prepared by an on-board gourmet chef. Breakfast and lunch may be enjoyed on the sundeck with a candlelit dinner being the culinary highlight of the day, complimented by the finest French wines.
As your floating hotel cruises at a sedate 6-8Km per hour along the rivers and canals, you have the opportunity to stroll or cycle along the tow path or visit the quaint canal side villages, with your hotel barge waiting at the next lock or mooring. If that sounds too strenuous then just relax on the sundeck.
Daily excursions are arranged so that you may explore the local region, with wine tasting often on the agenda. These trips are either a short distance from the waterway or reached by using the hotel’s minibus.
If you feel the need for exercise, optional activities such as horse riding, golf or tennis are available. On some cruises, hot air ballooning is possible so that you may view the area from above.
Whether you opt for a Hotel Barge or a self-drive Penchinette, these holidays provide a rich experience and a new perspective of a beautiful country.
SELF-DRIVE BARGE HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE
As an alternative to cruising on the high seas in a luxury liner, why not try a boating holiday in France. France has 10000 Km of tranquil canals and waterways, linking the entire region. Boating is a wonderful way to discover the country. You can cruise at the official speed limit of 8Km per hour on the canals (10Km on the rivers) past chateaux, castles, monasteries, vineyards and fields of sunflowers.
The best choice of vessel is the “Penichette” a barge specifically designed for river or canal cruising, based on the traditional French barge design. Do not let the term” barge” fool you. These are sophisticated boats, more akin to the normal cabin cruiser. The Flying Bridge Penichettes are the latest designs providing dual inside and outside steering positions with bow thrusters for maximum maneuverability in narrow spaces. They provide accommodation for 4-8 persons, mainly in single or double en-suite cabins. The saloon is the place for family board games and intimate dinners. The boats are roomy with showers and hot and cold running water. Water tanks are easily filled at locks and villages. All linen is provided. A permit is supplied by the boat-hire company and you will receive basic instruction on driving, together with detailed navigation guides. Going through the Locks is all part of the fun, and a ritual, as explained in your guide and you will be assisted by friendly Lock Keepers. Cruise at your own pace and moor up to dine ashore, fish or explore the local scene. Most boats carry bicycle racks and bicycles can be hired. Ride ahead on the towpath for that French bread and warm croissants for breakfast!
France has an enormous choice of waterways for your trip. Each region is perfect for a relaxing holiday. In Western France is the rugged beauty of Brittany. In Eastern France the canals of Alsace Lorraine flow past medieval, fortified towns, the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. The Canal du Midi in the south is a World Heritage Site. This canal links Toulouse with Agde flowing past the walled city of Carcassonne. The Canal du Rhone and the Canal de la Robine bring one to the Camargue, famed for pink flamingos and wild horses. Finally, the canals of Nivernais, Loire and Bourgogne open up the heartland of France. This is the region to sample Boeuf Bourguignon with chilled Chablis.
Boating in France is a unique and rich experience on canals and beautiful rivers far away from the madding crowds and the busy Routes Nationales! With self-drive Barge Holidays in France you see the country from a different perspective.
THE EASTERN AND ORIENT EXPRESS
The world-famous Orient Express, renowned for its opulence and quality of service in Europe, has its counterpart in Asia - The Eastern and Oriental Express(E&O). Offering comparable elegance, delicious cuisine and impeccable service the E&O provides a year-round service linking Singapore, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and Bangkok in Thailand. The 2,030 Km journey takes three days and two nights.
Until 1991, Malaysia and Thailand operated separate railway systems which necessitated a change of trains in Penang in order to travel onwards to Bangkok. The 1991 agreement allowed a luxury train to travel between Singapore and Thailand commencing with the inaugural run in 1993.
The current E&O was built in Japan in 1972 and commenced life in New Zealand as that country’s “Silver Train.”The rolling stock was remodelled and refurbished by Gerard Gallet, the designer of both the original Orient Express and the British Pullmans. The internal decor is based on Chinese, Thai and Malaysian materials and motifs with the whole atmosphere reminiscent of Colonial days. The train accommodates 132 passengers in 66 cabins with 24 hour room service.
The E&O offers three choices of beautifully appointed compartments, each with picture windows, air-conditioning, en-suite shower and 24 hour steward service.
The Presidential Suites (`11.6 sq metres) are styled as private lounges during the day and the seating converts to two single beds at night. The suite has en-suite facilities and its own complimentary bar. The State Cabins are very similar and slightly smaller at 7.8 sq Metres. The E&O also has 36 Pullmman Superior cabins with seating converting to upper and lower bunks at night. All are non-smoking.
Lunch and dinner are served in the two restaurant cars with Eastern and European dishes prepared by internationally-renowned chefs. Each morning breakfast is served in your compartment, with afternoon tea in colonial style also being brought to your cabin. Tea and coffee is available throughout the day in the Observation Car. All meals are included in the fare.
The Observation Car is located at the rear of the train with teak wood flooring, rattan furniture and an open area perfect for photography. At the end of the day you can relax in the Bar Car with its resident pianist and local entertainment. A must is the delicious cocktail - The Shanghai Express. For those who may experience retail therapy withdrawal (shopping) there is an on-board Boutique in the Saloon Car, where you can purchase mementos, exclusive to the E&O. Finally, there is a reading room with a varied library.
Further information.
Luggage is limited to 30Kg except for Presidential Suite passengers. “Through” luggage will not be accessible until the final destination. There is limited storage for “Compartment and Hand” luggage in the cabin.
Visas for visits of less than 30 days are not required for Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, except for citizens of certain Middle Eastern, African or South American countries.
As with all holidays abroad Health Insurance is advisable.
Children under 11 years receive a 20% discount. Children under 2 years travel free.
Regrettably, the dimensions and layout of the train are not suitable for persons requiring a wheelchair.
On the Eastern and Orient Express all prices are quoted in US dollars. Other major currencies can be exchanged on board. Major credit cards are also accepted but not personal cheques.
The Eastern and Orient Express with its comfort, elegance, cuisine and service provides a unforgettable journey through this wonderful region and ranks as one of the great railway journeys of the world.
WISCONSIN CRANBERRY FESTIVAL
THE WISCONSIN CRANBERRY FESTIVAL - 26 TO 28 SEPTEMBER 2008
The month of September sees the start of Harvest Festivals around the world. Traditionally in Europe, farmers celebrated the end of a good harvest and an abundance of food. In America and Canada the Thanksgiving celebrations come in various forms. In Wisconsin, is the world’s largest Cranberry Festival, held in the small town of Warren (50 miles northeast of La Crosse.)
Wisconsin is the largest producer of cranberries in the United States. In September the cranberry crop ripens as the tree foliage turns into its magnificent red and gold glory.
Cranberries are grown in wet and marshy areas known as “Bogs.” There are banks around the cranberry beds which allow the beds to be filled with water. The berries grow to maturity in 4-5 years.
Join the 100,000 visitors to this fun event. In this article it is impossible to list every attraction. We offer you a taste of this, the world’s largest Cranfest which has something for all members of the family.
Bring your walking shoes! The Farm Market has 100 vendors with fall produce including pumpkins, honey, candy, Amish noodles, fruit and naturally, fresh cranberries.
Visit the Antique and Flea Market and find a hidden treasure on one of the 350 booths.
The Arts and Crafts Show, with its 850 vendors is a great place for early Christmas shopping.
Each year visitors show their skill and creativity in the fun contests and win great prizes. These include, Design the Button, Needlework and Quilt, Biggest Berry, Scarecrow and the Vegetable and Sunflower Contest.
Given the theme of the Fest, a must is a bus tour of the working Cranberry Bogs. Apart from a close-up of this unique system this is a learning experience for all ages and you can purchase your fresh cranberries!
All this strenuous activity will obviously sharpen the appetite. Start your day with pancakes topped (obviously) with cranberry syrup. “Joanies” dinner plate sized cinnamon rolls or cranberry cream puffs which will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth! There are four food courts to eat your way through.
At the end of the day have a cool drink at The Fire Station and stay for dinner at The Log Building.
The final highlight is the Grand Parade at midday on Sunday, 28 September with the largest Marching Band in Wisconsin and many unusual items such as TJ Howell riding inside his one-wheeled motorcycle, Zoey, the limbo princess and Hillbilly Bob whose 1929 Model Ford makes the Clampitt’s truck look like a limousine.
Warren, Wisconsin in September is an interesting and fun place to be for all the family and a great celebration of Thanksgiving.
CANADIAN SHELLFISH FESTIVAL
THE PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND (PEI) SHELLFISH FESTIVAL, CANADA
Shellfish lovers should head for historic Charlotteville, PEI, on September 19-21 2008, for the “Biggest Kitchen Party in Atlantic Canada.”
PEI, one of four Atlantic Provinces, is known as the “Garden of the Gulf.” It is located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence west of Cape Breton, lies north of the Nova Scotia peninsula and is Canada’s smallest and greenest Province.
With great music, gourmet chefs to celebrity cooks; first time oyster tasters to world-class oyster shuckers; this festival entertains and educates people of all ages.
Sample the delights produced by the chefs of the Culinary Institute of Canada in interactive, daily demonstrations. One of these is the “Keep on Shucking” demo with John Bil - three times Canadian Shucking Champion. Purchase Seafood Chowder, freshly steamed PEI Mussels and Clams and the renowned Oysters and Quahogs (Hard Shell Clams.)
If you love seafood chowder there are two highly competitive Chowder Contests. In the “PEI Potato Seafood Chowder Champinship,” chefs from across PEI compete with the winner gaining automatic entry into the “Cream International Chowder Championship,” for a top prize of $2000.
If oysters are your thing do not miss the three oyster shucking contests. In the “Raspberry Point Shucking Championship,” 20 contestants are timed in opening and presenting oysters on a half shell.
In the “Two Continents Showdown,”(sponsored by Air Canada Cargo) Europe’s top five will take on North America’s top five in a relay format with five dozen oysters shucked in less than an unbelievable three minutes! Canada’s winning time in 2007 was 2.41 minutes.
Finally, the “JP World Invitational Championship,” which in 2007 saw 24 oysters presented in 1.51 minutes.
The top competition with a prize of $10,000 is the “International Shellfish Chef’s Challenge.” Local, Regional, and International Chefs will have a list of ingredients provided 2 weeks prior to the festival and released on the day. The contestants will have to produce 10 servings of an appetizer, an entree and a dessert.
If seafood is not the main attraction in your life there are children’s programmes, the Atlantic Veterinary Marine “Touch Tank,” Boat Cruises and musical entertainment.
Having had your fill of the seafood experience, relax with some retail therapy in Charlotteville. You can buy that perfect souvenir. Browse on the historic waterfront, Queen St and Victoria Row. Delights include Peake’s Wharf Merchants, Anne of Green Gables, the Confederation Mall and Just Us Girls Fashion Cafe.
There is nightlife to suit everyone. Many local restaurants turn into a nightspot after dark. Kent Street and Sydney Street are known for finding a good time.
If you still have energy left after the Festival there are some great ways of sightseeing. Amphibian vehicles used by Hippo Harbour Tours will take you on both land and sea. Explore the town in more leisurely fashion in an Emerald Isle - horsedrawn carriage. For the adventurous Tartan Air will show you the region from 500ft!
This is a great island for all the family with lots to see and do after a magnificent international festival.
OCTOBERFEST
THE 175th MUNICH OCTOBERFEST 20 September to 5 October 2008
Join over 6 million visitors (yes, six million) to the largest folk festival in the world. The Octoberfest dates back to 1810, to the wedding celebrations of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.
In 2008, for 16 days, the citizens of Munich and overseas visitors will flock to the Munich Fairgrounds - “Wiesen” or “Meadow,” to sample special beers and enjoy the traditional funfair.
OPENING FESTIVITIES
On Saturday, 20 September 2008, before the inauguration by the Lord Mayor of Munich, is the “Grand Entry of the Octoberfest Landlords and Breweries “(first held in 1887.) The parade has beautifully decorated carriages, horse drawn carts of the breweries, waitresses on floats, accompanied by the music bands from all the beer tents.
On Sunday, 21 September is the “Munich Costume Riflemen’s Parade “(first held in 1835.) It has groups dressed in traditional costumes, music and marching bands with amateur and professional riflemen in a two hour, 7Km long parade.These processions take place in any weather. At noon the Lord Mayor taps the first cask of beer, exclaiming “O’zapit is!” - the Barrel is Tapped!
OCTOBERFEST DELICACIES
The special Octoberfest beer brewed by six Munich breweries is available in 14 beer tents with a seating capacity of over 100,000. It is served by a few thousand shapely Bavarian waitresses, in traditional costumes, carrying 22 litres at a time. The beer is the perfect beverage to wash down treats such as radishes, garnished cream cheese, sausages, grilled chicken or spicy fish on a stick. Some 80 local caterers invite you to sample traditional Bavarian food.
OCTOBERFEST FUN
Outside the beer halls are dozens of fairground rides and attractions for those who are not dizzy enough already. These include the “Krinoline,” an old fashioned merry-go-round, the “Teufelsarad,” (the Devil’s Wheel), ghost trains, mazes and the “Wall of Death.” Fun for all ages.
If you intend attending this unique event, plan to arrive before noon if you want a seat in one of the beer halls. The German beer “Steins” are very heavy so you may wish to ensure those arm muscles are in good shape before you leave home!
MAINE AIRSHOW
THE GREAT STATE OF MAINE AIRSHOW - SEPTEMBER 6-7 2008
Join the other 250,000 spectators expected at the Naval Air Station, Brunswick, Maine, for a weekend of non-stop action and entertainment for the whole family.
This year the US Navy “Blue Angels” Flight Demonstration Team will electrify the crowd with their precision flying in the F/A 18 Hornet. Their display demonstrates skills possessed by all naval aviators. It includes the four-plane Diamond Formation, in concert with high performance manoeuvres by two solo pilots. The renowned six jet delta formation, locked as one unit, illustrates the ultimate in formation flying.
For more than 44 years the US Army “Golden Knights” Parachute Team has been wowing audiences at airshows. The two demonstration teams travel all over the USA and internationally, in support of Army recruiting.
Also performing is “Team Chaos” with Sergei Boriak, Neal Darnell and Randy Harris providing a high level of skill and excitement. Randy’s colourful Skybolt 300 is pitted against the best in Russian engineering - Segei’s Dukoi SU-310, in what appears to be an aerial game of chicken! The finale is a Jet Truck versus Aeroplane race in which Neal accelerates the jet engined, Flash Fire Chevy truck to almost 350mph.
The packed flying display also includes solo displays by individual aerobatic experts, the “Chuting Eagles” powered parachutes, and wing walking
The “USAF Heritage Flight” was established in 1999 to celebrate the USAF’s 50th Anniversary. It involves modern fighters flying in close formation with vintage aircraft from the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.
The “F15E Strike Eagle Demo Team” from Seymour AFB displays the F15’s capabilities in its air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
After service in North Korea the Corsair F4U, flown by Dan McCue - an airshow veteran for 25 years - is still flying after 50 years.
Between events there is a fantastic static display to be seen in which you can get close up to more than 50 military and civilian aircraft of all shapes and sizes. The exhibits include USAF fighter, transport and training aircraft, civil airliners, vintage WW2 aircraft and even microjets.
With souvenir stalls, musical entertainment and refreshment facilities the show will live up to its reputation to provide a weekend of non-stop action for the whole family.
ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK
Algonquin Provincial Park is located about 210 K north of Toronto, Ontario. It can be accessed from both Highway 11 and Highway 17. It has 7,630 square kilometres of forests, lakes and rivers. It provides a true wilderness experience.
If you decide to visit in the spring you will be there in time for some of the best trout fishing imaginable. If fishing is not your thing just take an early morning drive to see the most wonderful moose viewing in Ontario and to see the forest at it’s spring best. It may not be as famous as the Autumn colours but in spring you will see pastel green Trembling Aspen leaves, pink Red Maples, white Cherry blossom and silvery Largetooth Aspen.
Summer in Algonquin is the most popular time for visitors. You can enjoy camping and canoeing, fishing and hiking, photography and nature walks, raspberry picking and toasting marshmallows on your camp fire. This is a fabulous time of year for the whole family from tots to Gran. There is something for everyone to do and plenty of activities and facilities to keep everyone happy on their summer vacation.
Although summer may be the best time to visit Algonquin, Fall, comes a very close second. The fall colours alone make a trip worthwhile, especially if you catch the maples at their peak in the last week of September or, in the first few days of October. The spectacle of hundreds of square miles of red and golden orange forest, blue lakes, and evergreen shores is one that no one should miss. As it is cooler you can enjoy camping and hiking with no biting insects!
Canisbay Lake, Mew Lake, Lake of Two Rivers, and Rock Lake campgrounds remain open until Thanksgiving (second Monday in October), as do the three lodges in the Parkway Corridor. After Thanksgiving, Mew Lake Campground (at km 30.6 along the Highway 60 Corridor) continues to remain open year-round offering a limited number of campsites (some with electricity) and a fully-winterized comfort station (flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities).
For anyone wishing to take part there is a group education program offered through the Friends of Algonquin Park. The topics range from plants to wolves and from early logging history to modern Park management.
Algonquin is equally fascinating in Winter. Ski through winter woods, over ridges and down the long hills. You will find tracks of deer, moose, otter, fox, wolves and martens. You are also quite likely to see the animals themselves. There is still plenty of bird life too. For the most hardy among you there are also a limited number of campsites available. The Mew Lake Campground also has seven Yurts available in winter for an unusual winter adventure holiday. There are more than 100 kilometres of cross country ski trails and unlimited snow shoeing possibilities. There is also dogsledding available at two locations in the park.
Whatever time of year you visit Algonquin you are sure to have a wonderful time especially if you follow a few of their simple guidlines:
Wear appropriate clothes and foot wear for the time of year, be prepared for cold weather emergencies, during the winter - time your hikes for daylight hours, avoid ice travel, winter camping requires special care and equipment, make sure someone knows where you are and when you are due back, choose a trail suitable for your abilities. Generally just use your common sense and remember you are in a wilderness area and go prepared.
Algonquin Provincial Park is a marvelous wilderness area. It has provided millions of visitors with wonderful holidays and wonderful memories and we are sure it will be doing so for many years to come.
POPCORN FESTIVAL - VALPARAISO, INDIANA
Continuing our theme of Summer and Autumn Festivals, why not consider a visit to the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival on Saturday, 6 September 2008.
Valparaiso claims the title of “Popcorn Capital of USA”, although another six cities contest this claim. The city is in Porter County, Indiana. Its site was included in the purchase of land from the Potawatomi Indians in 1832 and was originally known as Porterville.
Native Americans enjoyed “popping corn” hundreds of years ago. Today America consumes 1.5 billion lbs of popcorn yearly.
The Valparaiso Festival has for its theme “30 years of Popcorn and Memories.” It began in 1979 and for the last 12 years has been named as “The Best Festival in the Region.”
Since the first festival in 1979, Valparaiso has continued to honour the man who became America’s Popcorn King. Orville Redenbacher was born in Brazil, Indiana and from an early age was obsessed with developing the perfect popcorn. He died in 1995 at the age of 88 and his brand of popping corn continues to be among the most popular in the United States.
The festival is located in beautiful downtown Valparaiso from 7.00am to 6.30pm on Saturday, 6 September 2008. It offers family fun activities for all ages. It has over 500 food and craft booths, children’s games and rides and live entertainment. For the athletic ones there is a 5-mile run (Popcorn Panic) and a 5KM walk for those not so fit.
The highlight is the unique Popcorn Parade which was attended by Orville Redenbacher until his death in 1995.
Other activities are the spectacular Hot Air Balloon launches at Porter County Expo on the Friday and Saturday, 5-6 September 2008. Following the launch, entertainers will keep the feet tapping while you await the return of the balloons.
Popcorn lover or not, this is another fun festival for all the family.
SUMMER AND AUTUMN FESTIVALS - 2008
The months of September and October see the arrival of many interesting and fun festivals worldwide. In this first article on the subject Travel Advice Pages offers one possibility for your consideration.
LUDLOW, ENGLAND. THE MARCHES FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL
The Marches is the border region between England and Wales and here on the 12th to 13th of September, 2008 the small town of Ludlow, in the county of Shropshire, hosts a Feast of a Festival.
Ludlow Castle, dating from around 1138 is a fine medieval castle set in glorious Shropshire countryside at the heart of the bustling market town of Ludlow. The castle forms a perfect backdrop and site for the annual festival and is one of a line of Norman forts built along the Marches to hold back the unconquered Welsh. Extended over the years it became a fortified Royal Palace until it fell into decay in 1689.
The small town has acquired a reputation for being the centre for some of the best food and drink in Britain. The area has an amazing number of small, independent food and drink producers. It contains an impressive number of specialist food shops - butchers, bakers, cheese shops, delis, organic food shops, all of wihich are sourced from local products. Michelin and other food guides also confirm that Ludlow has more top quality restaurants than anywhere else in Britain, except for London.
The Festival is based in and around the Castle. Within the walls a tented area hosts more than 130 independent food and drink producers. One can taste wonderful food that you did not know existed. After sampling you can vote for your favourite bread, pickles, cheese or ale and engage in some serious pudding tasting. You can picnic on the Castle Green or buy food from a range of food stalls.
There are two unique Festival highlights outside the castle. Watch or take part in the Annual Waiter’s Race or join the exciting Ludlow Sausage Trail. For a small fee you can tour the six, small, independent butchers in the town whose own-made sausages are the subject of fierce local competition. After the visits you can vote for the winner. A similar event takes in the baker’s shops in the town
Whether you are a serious foodie or just appreciate good food and drink, there is more than enough for you and your family in the wonderful festival atmosphere in Ludlow.
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