Travel Around Planet

Archive for December, 2011

Angouleme – Undiscovered Gem Of The Charente Sw France

I know I have said it before … but sometimes things excite you SO much that you just have to keep telling people. Even more so when you feel you have stumbled on something truly special … and noone else seems to know anything about it !!

I am talking about Angouleme the stunning cream limestone city majestically perched on a high rock outcrop overlooking the winding Charente River. Although it is the capital town of the Charente Department and once boasted a topclass rugby team back in the 1980′s captained by the late great Maurice Colclough the grand slam winning England International second row forward it is virtually unknown to the outsider.

Indeed Maurice was revered so much by the locals that he was nicknamed the Prince of Angouleme and on his recent untimely death a special testimonial was held where the match was started by a dropkick from one of his daughters.

So why is Angouleme still such an undiscovered Gem? Perhaps it is the natural reticence of the locals to seriously “blow their own trumpet” the local tourist information board has had three directors in as many years or just their good natured easygoing manner which can sometimes be a little too laid back for their own good!

Whatever the reason many potential visitors seldom take the trouble to venture into its heart. Maybe it is because on first sight as you wind your way down the N10 from the Poitiers Plains you are greeted by a large conurbation with industrial suburbs commercial superstores and all the bustle that goes with a modern city. Many drivers head on by pushing on south east towards Bordeaux and Spain or south west into the Dordogne and the Lot Valley but they are missing something truly special.

Having lived in the Angouleme area for over four years now I have come to love its quaint cobbled streets with charming squares and secret hideaways and its laidback and yet vibrant youthful attitude. For those of you unaware of its charms I urge you to visit .. Follow signs to “Centre Ville” and head up onto the Old Plateau. Stop off at Les Halles a sunny square dominated by a “Victorian Era” castiron and glass indoor market hall. Here you will find outdoor tables and chairs belonging to Le Chat Noir or the Blues Rock Caf both worthy of a visit and bustling with locals and visitors alike. Sit under the shady trees in summer sipping your favourite tipple and listen to the outdoor Bands that play here every Thursday evening from June till September. Just round the corner pop into the Girafe Bar with its interesting African art decor and great “indie” music. Dont forget to visit the Place de Minage with its castiron fountain and gravelled heart where the locals play Boules in the evenings.

Venture further up the cobbled street and you will need to wind your way through the outdoor tables crammed with diners enjoying the warm evening air. The choice is very wide Classic French like “Chez Pauls” where you are likely to be sitting next to the editor of the Charente Libre or even “Monsieur Le Maire” himself. For a more modern meal try the beautifully cooked “TexMex” style brochettes and nachos of “Le Cabana” Bar. And for those of you that fancy a more “exotic” approach there are Vietnamese Chinese Lebanese Caribbean Italian and an excellent Curry House !! Le Jardin de Kashmir. And of course I doubt there is a city in the World where there isn’t at least one “Irish Bar” I even found one myself in Sarajevo during the Bosnian Civil War which was acting as the unofficial social HQ for the various UN peacekeeping contingents ! We have ours in Angouleme too “le Kennedy Bar” just round the corner from Chez Pauls.

And then there are the Festivals! Firstly we have the “Circuit de Remparts” where vintage cars from all of Europe descend on Angouleme for the third weekend in September to race round the streets This year the Official Guest of Honour was none other than Stirling Moss! In April and May we have the street theatre festival and the “Musique Mtisses” Jazz and CrossOver Music events. In October and November we have the “Piano en Valois” festival and January sees the Cartoon Community descend in force on central Angouleme with the squares covered in temporary marquees even over the fountains!

To sum it all up …. Angouleme is a wonderful small city full of charm and surprise glimpses of “L’art de BD” cartoons painted on the walls of over 150 buildings. Come and visit it and marvel as I do at its neverending ability to delight and uplift the senses.

About the Author: UK Trained Architect specialising in Search and Renovations of quality Gems in the Charente Region of France. visit our website http://www.charentegems.com

Airport Transfers London

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world but it’s also one of the most expensive. London is both the capital of England and the United Kingdom and it serves as the headquarters for the Roy. London is one of Europe’s most populated city and holds some of its most impressive tourist attractions. This is great for travelers who plan to spend some time exploring London rather than just a day or two hitting the main tourist sights.

Due to Londons huge global city status it is the most served destination in the world when it comes to flights. London is served by a total of six airports.

Heathrow is London and Europe’s largest airport and the world’s busiest airport in terms of international passenger movement with services available from most major airports worldwide. Ataxi from Heathrow to central London will cost 4560. You may wish to consider taking a taxi if you have a lot of baggage or small children. Alternatively catch public transport into the city centre and then catch a taxi. There are over 1000 minicab companies in London.

London Gatwick London’s second airport also serving a large spectrum of places worldwide. To get to the centre of the city. A door 2 door shuttle service running 24/7. Costs about half of the taxi with wide leather seats and plenty of room for luggage. Pre bookings are required for Gatwick services.

London Stansted Currently London’s third airport Stansted Airport lies 35 miles northeast of London. Trains run directly to Liverpool Street Station in London every 30m 5am11pm. It takes 45 minutes and costs 13.80. A1 Heathrow Cars provides online cab/taxi booking facility approximately 70.

London Luton has traditionally been a holiday charter airport but is now also served by some budget scheduled carriers. As per Stansted and for the same reasons many choose to spend the night here before flying although “First Capital Connect” trains run 24 hours.

London City Airport a commuter airport close to the city’s financial district and specializing in shorthaul business flights to other major European cities. To get to the city centre by taxi. Journey time approximately 30 minutes.

London Southend Airport Currently undergoing redevelopment and is set to become London’s sixth international airport .

Southampton Airport amp; Birmingham International Airport are another nonLondon airports worth considering as a less congested and hectic alternative to Heathrow.

How to get to and from hundreds of the world’s airports by car bus train and other forms of public transport. For transfers directly between London’s airports the fastest way is the direct interairport bus service by National Express.

Sightseeing: London is filled with attractions that appeal to young and old take Madame Tussaud’s wax museum that alltime favorite. Great British Heritage Pass Discount Sightseeing. If your sightseeing style is leisurely and you only visit one or two places a day and if there are places you also want to visit that aren’t on the Pass program. But if you’re able to plan your sightseeing around the various places featured in the Pass and if you’re thinking of fitting two or three or more activities into every day the savings can be huge. That single day of sightseeing saves you more than the cost of an entire three day Pass. Your next two days of sightseeing will be entirely free. You have to buy the three four or sevenday Visitor Travelcards before you leave home but you can get various other types of Travelcards once you reach London. You will be able to get just about anywhere you want to go in London on the Underground or “tube “.

So before you pack up and catch a flight to London you Invest in a copy of “London A to Z. This book of detailed maps is indispensable to anyone visiting London for more than a few days even most London residents carry a copy.

About the Author: World Explorer Frequent Traveler.

Activities At The Victoria Falls And Things To Do

Independent market research has revealed that nearly 9 out of 10 visitors would like to have stayed longer in Victoria Falls. For most of them it was too late to change their itinerary. The area has become the premier adventure resort of Africa and a vast range of activities are available to suit every traveler. Most activities can be done from either side of the Zambezi River Livingstone in Zambia or Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Some of the most popular are:

Viewing the Falls:

If you’re staying in Livingstone Zambia shared taxis and minibuses regularly ply the route to the falls. If you’re staying in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe just walk down to the park entrance from town. There are wellmarked paths and many viewing points. You don’t need a guide or tour; just enjoy the spectacle at your own leisure.

Some of the best views of the Victoria Falls are from Livingstone Island on the Zambian side. This small island is owned by Tongabezi. A real thrill is to swim in a natural rock pool on the edge of the Falls Devil’s Pool. You can only do this during the dry season.

Bungee Jumping:

Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge is a highlight of many people’s visit to the Falls. Jumps usually run just under 100 and can be arranged from most hotels in both Zimbabwe and Zambia or at any travel agency in town.

Jet Boating:

A jet boat ride allows you to experience the Victoria Falls from below. The very fast and scenic ride takes you to the “boiling pot” at the foot of the falls with some hair raising turns en route. Regal Tours and Safaris run the fastest boat.

Whitewater rafting:

Rafting down the rapids of the Zambezi River is an incredible adventure. These are Grade 5 rapids not a leisurely float down the river so be prepared to get wet and work hard at staying upright. Trips usually include lunch at a beautiful spot along the river and end with a cold beer once you’ve climb back up the gorge.

Sundowner cruise:

Booze cruises are a popular pastime in this part of the world and there’s something extremely pleasant about enjoying a beverage while watching hippos cavort in the Zambezi under a spectacular sunset. Cruises can be organized through the various travel agencies around town in both Livingstone and Victoria Falls.

Wildlife viewing:

There’s a surprising amount of wildlife to see just walking around the vicinity of the Victoria Falls on both sides. Baboons and warthogs are very common. MosioaTunyaNational Park Zambia is small but packs a punch with white rhinos buffaloes elephants and giraffe.

More extreme adventures:

The Victoria Falls are an adventurers dream given the amount of activities available. You can Kayak canoe abseil river board swing through the gorge and horse ride. See the recommended tour operators on page two and they’ll be able to book whatever activity you’d like to do.

Getting There:

Air Zimbabwe offers cheap flights to Victoria Falls from Johannesburg South Africa Harare International amp; Bulawayo International. Each year millions of tourists fly to this natural wonder also called the “The Smoke that Thunders” through Air Zimbabwe South African Airways amp; Air Botswana. There are three direct flight departures of Air Zimbabwe from JohannesburgVictoria FallsJohannesburg i.e. on Tuesday Thursday and Saturday’sand vice versa. Other than that the flights of Air Zimbabwe from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls connect via Harare International the capital city of Zimbabwe. These are all morning flights that fly at around 9 am and take approximately 2 hours to reach Victoria Falls. For more information visit http://www.cheapzimbabweflights.com/ or call reservation 02079936219 to book cheap flights to Victoria Falls.

About the Author: Flights Master: Cheap flights experts to world wide destinations from UK amp; Europe. Specialised in Direct amp; Indirect Flights to Africa Fareast amp; Australia. Call 0207 993 6219 or visit www.flightsmaster.co.uk