Springtime glamping

There is something about Spring, the flowers, the new lambs, and fresh feeling of the day that makes me want to go camping ...well glamping!

Ards Forest Park, Donegal

I think it it because Springtime brings us back in touch with nature, with the bright mornings and longer evenings, we tend to recognise our surroundings again without the harsh imprint of Winter.

Camping is fun, but in Ireland at this time of year, it is for the brave, because it is still oh so cold at night and the weather as well as the landscape is still quite unpredictable.

But there is a solution, you really can have it all, thanks to cosy wooden pods - camping without the frostbite - glamping indoors!

Last year some friends and I headed north to the wilds of Co Donegal. Such a beautiful county with a stunning coastline, majestic mountains and a fun vibe.

We stayed at the Wild Atlantic Camp in Cresslough, 25 minutes drive from Letterkenny and beside Dunfanaghy. This location is situated at the beginning of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way a world famous coastal drive that is 2,400km long. If you are looking for adventure - and an authentic Irish experience, this is the place to start.

The campsite is also the perfect base to explore the well known and lesser known spots of North West Donegal.

Things to bring:

-Waterproof and warm clothes (think layers)

-Good walking shoes

-A camera

-A good appetite

-Sense of adventure

Marble Hill Beach

During our two day adventure we took a drive up to Horn Head which has spectacular views, we took a stroll and watched the Atlantic push in and out at Marble Hill Beach. We also set out for a fun trek at Ards Forest Park, a 480 hectare Coillte managed forest park, which has forest trails, treks across sand dunes and a beach and playground.

For our glamping experience we stayed in a lovely cosy wooden pod. The pods can house up to 4 adults have lighting, heating and are so snug with cute decor, making them romantic and functional.

The camp also facilitates traditional camping (but who wants the hassle of setting up a tent?!) and motor homes/ caravans.

There are free hot showers, campers kitchen and a den with TV, games and dining area, the wifi is free (seriously though you are camping - get off the phone!) and there is a children’s playground (can also be used by adults when the kids are in bed!) You won’t miss the astroturf as you drive in, we got to watch a local game while we were staying.

This is really a fun Spring get away, whether you are looking for romance,wildlife, culture or fun.

For more info check out The Wild Atlantic Way and Wild Atlantic Camp.

Beautiful scenes in Ards Forest Park, Donegal

Searching for the perfect honeymoon

Picking a honeymoon destination is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make. 
(Yes I live a lovely, fluffy, care free life!)

As we had a destination wedding in January, we decided it would be nice to come home and have a honeymoon to look forward to later in the year. I also knew I would need to occupy my once filled wedding brain with something post nuptials.

But it is oh so difficult to pick a destination.

I already have my own personal top three honeymoon location:

-Cuba

-Egypt

-Fiji

But the issue is, we have already been to these locations.

Driving along the rural roads in Cuba

Before the wedding, we had thought that Vietnam would be an ideal location. Asia intrigues us both and this beautiful country would allow us adventure, relaxation and culture.

But now that the grand event is over (and all the money is spent!) the gloss is wearing off it. Flights are expensive, we only have two weeks to play with and we have a conflict with the ‘best time of year’ to visit.

Giza Pyramids, Egypt 2012

So now my mind has been refocused back to Europe and the Middle East. There are some fab beaches and resorts scattered about this continent and obviously there is culture and history galore to explore, but which one do I pick for a honeymoon?

Ideally we would like to do some sightseeing, partake in a fun activity and spend a few days relaxing.

Fiji islands, 2008

Crete, Sicily, Croatia, Malta, Greek islands, Jordan and Tunisia are all on my radar.

Do any of you have any tips, advice or indeed destinations you would think suitable?

Back to Berlin

A section of the Berlin Wall
(C) fifiheavey

Big pressure this week.            

I return to Berlin.

Four years ago I flew into Berlin not expecting anything great and with my own preconceptions about the city and the country. But it astounded me, the history was amazing, the culture intriguing, the people fun and helpful and the entertainment – out of this world.

Me and a Berlin bear
(c) fifiheavey

Berlin surpassed Paris as my favourite place in Europe and I have been singing its praises ever since.

This week I return to the once divided city.

But this time I am not alone, I will travelling with a friend (cousin to be exact).

I have told him Berlin is amazing, the craziest place on earth, the most interesting location in the world ... etc etc

(C) fifiheavey

And now I have to make it live up to that huge reputation. There is a whole lot of pressure on me and on this unique city. If we return and he is not bowled over by Berlin and all the wonders it holds – my reputation could be ruined.

Its gonna be easy though right? 

There are so many things to see and do, so many historic sites, buildings, streets, museums. 

The Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Unter Den Linden, The Reichstag, Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie, Topography of Terror ....

Brandenberg Gate, Berlin
(c) fifiheavey

“I don't really do the tourist thing” he told me.

Uh Oh.

So he will be expecting the strange and wonderful, the quirky, the unknown.

Still Berlin should be able to deliver. I just stumbled across craziness on a daily basis in Berlin four years ago. I didn't have to go looking – they were right there on tap.

But em... if you had to go looking, say for strange unique things to see and do – where would one look? 

I am open to all ideas!

My back up plan: Get him drunk on authentic German Beer and turn him into a history craving tourist!

Craziness on tap - looking forward to hangover free German beer!
(C) fifiheavey

Make it a dramatic Lent

“Sweet stuff”

“Chocolate and crisps”

“Alcohol”

“Smoking”

“Just crap”

Are all legitimate answers to the Big Question which gets asked annually on the small island of Ireland: What are you giving up for Lent?

Lent may not be a season which attracts a lot of tourists to Ireland (except for Paddy's day which falls in between). But it should be, because it is a precarious time for us Irish.

Lent suits us, not because we are a Catholic country devoted to penitential preparation, or because of our strong will power, or indeed our spiritual commitment.

But because it gives us a legitimate reason to take part in our favourite passtime: complaining.

I don't mean to paint us Irish in a bad light, as you all know we are a fun loving, adventure seeking, merry folk. But oh do we rejoice in the moaning, groaning, misery department.

We excel in communal suffering, take pleasure in agony and smile in the face of sacrifice.

Lent – depending on what you give up provides the perfect opportunity to join the national hobby. 40 days of complaining, of hunger pains, of smoking craves, of social exclusion (the lack of alcohol) etc.

There is of course more to Lent than the suffering, in Ireland it is a time of dramatic celebration. And in that I mean it is a time for drama to flourish.

Small towns, villages and parishes around the country put aside their beleaguered sacrifices to join with others and provide entertainment for the suffering masses.

Whether competing for the One Act Drama Festival Finals or not, local halls are filled with comedy, dramatic scenes, plights of love and sorrow and best of all some of the finest pieces of Irish literature.

Whether you are just in it for the pancakes and the Easter eggs or you go the whole hog and fast off everything that ever tasted nice – take the time out this Lent to support local drama groups.

Make your Lenten Promise to invest in yourself (that is deep ...) and in Irish culture.

http://www.adci.ie/

http://www.dli.ie/

Also are you going off anything 'unusual' this year?!

Not welcome in Istanbul

Istanbul, previously known as Byzantium and or Constantinople is a cultural and historical hub.

It is the only metropolis in the world to sit on two continents - Asia and Europe and because of this has enjoyed and endured one of the most interesting history in the world. It is a maze of beautiful architecture and promotes itself as a “modern Muslim city.”

This place sounds right up my alley – history, culture, architecture, religion – it even has a reputation for a unique night life.

Taksim Square, Istanbul
(c) fifiheavey

But when I visited last month, it didn't live up. It didn't even stand up.

Because I didn't feel welcome.

The city is amazing, old and new buildings contrast, streets wind up and down, history pores from almost every street corner. And yet it did not come together for me.

The colours and smells from the late night shopping around Taksim Square were intoxicating, the puffs of coloured smoke and strange taste of the hookahs entertained and the music pumped all night long.

On the other side of the city, the Blue and the Suleymaniye Mosque dominated, they commanded respect. The Grand Bazzar, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia - all were fascinating.

Taking a puff of a Hookah
(c) fifiheavey

But I didn't feel safe, I didn't feel welcome and above all I didn't feel respected.

I love finding myself in a new city, the strangeness, the unknown, the difference. You can't beat being somewhere for the very first time. Yes you must take photos, see the sights and dine in local cuisine. But you must also wander, drift away, tuck your camera away and observe, blend in and see the city as a passer by.

The shouting didn't bother me, the hassle didn't affect me, the comments didn't even take a flinch.

It was the looks.

As I walked alone down the streets (appropriately dressed), trying to get my bearings, politely smiling and shaking my head to various offers from street stalls, I felt weary and anxious.

The sellers were unlike the men in Marrakesh who forced you to buy something you merely glanced at, they were aggressive about it.

They did not appreciate my lone status, I felt like it insulted them. But even in a larger company with men at the table they showed no greater respect. They stared suspiciously – not grateful at all for our custom.

The best kebabs in town
(c) fifiheavey

My thoughts on Istanbul are surprising to me, I am usually so open to cultural differences, to a conflict in ideals, manners and beliefs. But what I experienced in Istanbul was stronger than a difference. It was stand off-ish.

I felt like they wanted me to know – you and your ideals are not welcome here.

My friends felt the same way, acquaintances back home also understood my explanations.

“You are not in Europe now” a friend was told during an exchange in a bar one night.

He was right, of course – but we were in the former European Capital of Culture, in a country that once campaigned to be part of the European Union.

Two trams pass by at the gates to Galatasary High Square on Istikal Street
(c) fifiheavey

Did I miss the point – have I got Istanbul all wrong?