People these days tend to be enjoying a wider and wider range of television program, thanks to expanded cable options and better streaming services for shows and movies. This means that rather than being dependent on basic cable selections, and the same old shows, people can enjoy more specific preferences, such as the reality shows that are now so popular on TV, etc. Among these preferences, television that explores different traveling options and attractions around the world have become extremely popular. Whether you like watching gritty exploration shows like Man Vs. Wild, or shows more geared toward showing you beauty and culture around the world, networks like the Travel Channel may have a lot to offer you. For example, a lot of people enjoy this channel’s frequent expositions on nightlife in different spots around the world. Here are few highlights among these expositions:

- The Travel Channel has covered Jamaican nightlife before, and displays it as a unique blend of resort-style beach relaxation and beach-front night clubs. Travelchannel.com has a good deal of information that backs up this exposition, and explains some of the various highlights of a late night out on this beautiful island. Specifically, the Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville bar in Montego Bay, Jamaica is mentioned as a staple of the island’s nighttime experience. This bar is situatied right by the water, and renowned for some of the best margaritas around, and is thus well worth a visit

- Travel Channel also covers some less conventional spots for nightlife around the world. For example, those unfamiliar with this region of the world may be surprised to see Reykjavik, Iceland noted for its intensely enjoyable party scene. Somewhat uniquely, Reykjavik’s night scene is made up largely of bistros and cafes that transform into bursting, popular bars at night. It is noted that nights often don’t really get started until midnight or after, but Icelanders there are known to party well into the early morning. There are a number of bars and clubs famous either for their ages or their propensity to attract great DJs and massive crowds.

Of course, these are only a few examples of a number of stories done by Travel Channel on nightlife around the world. You can also look up video and written expositions on exotic and renowned locations such as Cabo San Lucas, Barcelona, and many others. All of this represents one of the many perks of travel television, which seems to be gaining more and more fans all the time. If you’ve ever felt like you may want to see more of the world, or know more about some of your favorite places, this channel can be a great place to start, for both entertainment and information.

Meet the Author: Jim Anderson Jim Anderson and he is one of our contributing writers for cabletelevision.net. He is a travel enthusiast and enjoys exploring nightlife, among other things, around the world.

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Travel Channel Perks is a post from: Monkey Brewster

Image property of Author Tom Armenante

So, how many of you love insurance? Nobody? Didn’t think so. When it comes to preparing for a backpacking trip around Europe, the last thing you probably want to be worrying about is insurance. The most frustrating thing about insuring yourself as a backpacker is that you’re paying for something that might happen, so it’s quite often the case that you end up paying for nothing.

However, the financial implications of not bagging yourself a cheap holiday insurance deal before you jet off are huge. If something did happen while you’re away, it will cost you a fortune if you don’t have insurance.

There is a whole range of things you can get up to on your travels so, realistically, anything can happen. You could be swimming with sharks one day and climbing a rock face the next, which is exactly why we go travelling but also exactly why we need to insure our travels. Insurance is not just for health reasons, either: it covers your possessions against theft in busy places where pickpockets are rife. Of course, you’ll need to be vigilante wherever you are and make sure you report any theft to local police within 24 hours of the incident.

The variety of trips available means that there is also a variety of insurance policies. If you think you’re going to be getting more active than usual, you can get cover for sporting activities like bungee jumping and water skiing on your policy. You can get extended cover that lasts up to 18 months and even a discount for buying your policy online with some companies. What’s more, you can also have the choice of extended your policy while you’re already on your travels if you fancy trotting the globe that little bit longer.

If you’re looking for travel insurance compare on websites like moneysupermarket.com to have a whole bunch of options to choose from. Backpacker’s insurance is surprisingly affordable because most companies understand that globetrotting trips are planned on a shoestring in most cases.

Meet the Author: Tom Armenante Tom is a young budding traveler who writes for many tech and travel sites with aspirations of traveling the world.

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Backpacking Around Europe: Are You protected? is a post from: Monkey Brewster

Image is Property of Guest Author

Many people that travel to Britain make a point of heading to Edinburgh. Why? Well, it’s a city rich in culture, heritage and history and there are countless attractions to go and visit. There’s also an abundance of affordable hotels in Edinburgh near to all the major sites, which makes it even more of an appealing prospect for tourists.

Here are our top five must-do things in the Scottish capital.

 1. Climb to the top of Nelson’s Monument

The two most obvious attractions in Edinburgh are Edinburgh Castle and Nelson’s Monument, simply because you can’t miss them. So, let’s kick-off our whirlwind tour of the city with Nelson’s Monument, which is close to George Hotel Edinburgh and other central hotels and hostels. It was built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, has 217 steps in total and offers pretty neat views from the top.

 2. Learn all about Scottish culture

The National Museums Scotland is made up of several museums, some of which are based in Edinburgh, including the National War Museum and National Museum of Scotland. The latter is free to enter, which is an added bonus. People of all ages can discover all about a range of different subjects at the National Museum of Scotland, from art and design to the natural world.

3. See the daily gun salute at Edinburgh Castle

A trip to Edinburgh Castle when in Edinburgh really is a must for many reasons, including the stunning vista of the city that you’ll get if you make your way to the top. There’s a free guided tour if you’re a bit of a culture vulture and most days there’s a gun salute at 1pm that’s well worth witnessing.

4. Take a stroll down The Royal Mile

Most major cities have iconic streets. In London, for example, the likes of Regent Street and Oxford Street are known the world over. Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is still pretty special. It’s a hive of activity and is crammed with interesting buildings and clusters of bars, eateries and shops.

5. Visit a dormant volcano

No, that’s not a misprint, Edinburgh does have a dormant volcano within its boundaries and is thought to be the only city in the world that can lay claim to such an honour. Arthur’s Seat can be found in the group of hills that surround the Scottish capital and offers the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and take in the surrounding areas.

Meet the Author: Tom Armenante Tom is a young budding traveler who writes for many tech and travel sites with aspirations of traveling the world.

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Edinburgh – Five Must-Do Things in the Scottish Capital is a post from: Monkey Brewster

Image Property of Author: Alex Sayers

Having scoured the internet for my next destination to explore, I stumbled across mydestination.com/Prague and was immediately sold on visiting the city. Combining my love of history, traditional food and drink and the hundreds of fantastic sights, I set off, bound to have a fabulous time.

An absolute must see is Prague Castle. The castle itself is a huge complex, with lots of different rooms, palaces and churches dating from all different periods with diverse styles, something guaranteed to suit every taste. My favourite parts, which I’d thoroughly recommend, are the Lobkowicz Palace and the St. Vitus’s Cathedral. The palace houses a huge museum taking you through all of Czech history and also has a great traditional restaurant. The restaurant is on a balcony overlooking the castle district, a stunning view, and the palace also hosts daily concerts, the perfect setting to enjoy Czech food (which is amazing by the way) and well worth a visit!

The Cathedral is the biggest in the country and is hugely important in the country’s history, being the coronation and burial site of many kings and emperors. A great example of Gothic architecture, the cathedral draws thousands of visitors daily and once you see it you will know why. The cathedral, and the palace district in general, should certainly be on your to-do list if, like me, you’re at all interested in history or just immersing yourself in Czech culture. Hours, even days, can be lost wandering around the beautiful gardens, courtyards and palaces in this area of the city, and I really can’t recommend it enough – the perfect way to see most of the major sites of Prague in one convenient area.

Another fantastic area worth a visit is the Old Town Square, the centre of the city from the 10th to the 20th century. The square has many bars, restaurants and other shops, and though they are more expensive than other areas of the city, I think it is well worth eating outside in the square just to enjoy the scenery and watch the hustle and bustle of the city go by. Personally the highlight of the square for me was the clock tower where every hour a fanfare plays and colourful carvings of skeletons and other figures come to life to ring the bells. Climbing the stairs to the top of the tower also gives amazing views of the city- just don’t look down!

When looking for food and drink in Prague bars and restaurants are never far away. Prague has a growing reputation as a destination for stag weekends, and whilst I’m all for a wild night on the town, everyone needs down time, and Prague definitely caters for those looking for a more traditional or sophisticated time. The wonderful Vinograf Wine Bar in the centre of the city is a great example. The staff made me feel so welcome and obviously know so much about the wine they are selling and the bar itself is a small quaint little place, full of the character and charm that makes Prague unique. My nightlife highlight though has to be Stredoveka Krema, a fantastic medieval tavern complete with a roaring fire, sheepskin draped across the chairs and candles lighting all the old wooden tables. I honestly felt like I’d travelled back in time, sitting in a dark tavern in the shadow of the castle drinking traditional beers and eating national dishes of pork, duck and fish and I really couldn’t recommend this tavern enough.

All in all I can’t believe I never visited Prague before now. From beautiful architecture and amazing historical sites to fantastic traditional taverns serving great food and drink there’s something to suit every taste. Prague is perfect for anyone like me out for an adventure, with great food, great people and great sights; it’s definitely a place I’d recommend to anyone.

Meet the Author: Alex Sayers Alex Sayers from England dreams of travelling the world on a cultural odyssey, seeking out new adventures, fantastic experiences and seeing all the sights one exciting country at a time!

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Prague; an exploration of Czech Culture is a post from: Monkey Brewster

Marrakech FNA Market IMG_2161.JPG By: FrenchSelfCatering.com on Flickr via Creative Commons

Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its exciting range of rich flavours and textures. From sweet almond amlou, to hearty stews and casseroles; a holiday to Marrakech gives visitors the chance to sample an extraordinary range of dishes.

Morocco benefits from a great location, placed at a crossroads between Europe, Asia, the Arabic lands and the continent of Africa. As a result, it has enjoyed a rich stream of cultural influx over the centuries. In addition to this, Morocco’s history of imperial dynasties has seen fine cuisine exalted to something of an art form.

Marrakech By: James Temple on Flickr via Creative Commons

One of the most exciting things to do in Marrakech is to pay a visit to the bustling, chaotic Jemaa el Fna Market. Here visitors can explore through winding, labyrinthine markets, where fortune-tellers and healers ply their trade alongside cotton and silk traders, spice merchants and food stalls. You can enjoy varied street performers, as well as musicians and story tellers.

During the day, Jemaa el Fna Market is a great place to shop for bargains and souvenirs. Later in the evening however, the square fills up with food stalls. These begin to arrive as the sun sets, travelling from all around the city to set up shop at Jemaa el Fna.

The area surrounding Marrakech produces a large amount of rich produce, including vegetables, herbs, spices and soft fruits. Moroccan cuisine incorporates a wide range of exciting, and often unusual flavours as a result. Garlic, chillies, ginger and olives feature in many dishes, and most spice merchants offer their own trademark blends. These secret recipes are known as ‘ras el hanout’ (meaning ‘head of shop’), and can contain as many as thirty different spices.

Marrakech By frestivo on Flickr via Creative Commons

The food on offer at Jemaa el Fna Market ranges from the familiar, to some very exotic flavours. Deep fried eels are a popular snack, while roasted snails are considered a delicacy. Other popular dishes incorporate a wide range of unusual and exciting flavours; for example, try a whole chicken, slow roasted with olives, almonds and apricots for a succulent and sweet taste. Tagines are another common sight, earthenware pots used to cook spicy Moroccan stews. Grilled potato brochettes and spicy sausages represent the influences of Mediterranean cuisine, while warm chickpea salads, lentil soup and couscous infused with rose water offer a more uniquely Moroccan flavour.

Market outside Marrakech By: Liv Unni Sødem on Flickr via Creative Commons

Drinks available at Jemaa el Fna Market range from freshly squeezed orange juice, to fine wines and local beers. While many Moroccan Muslims don’t drink alcohol themselves, the influx of western trade has led local brewers to refine the art of making beer, and visitors to Marrakech can enjoy a varied range of beers, lagers and crisp pilsners.

Holidays in Marrakech offer visitors a dazzling insight into a fascinating, history-laden city. From the magnificent mosques to the downtown regions with their modern casinos, bars and hotels, you’ll be sure to find something that will appeal to  everyone. However, at Jemaa el Fna Market you’ll feel you’ve stepped into another world. The exciting food and drinks on offer will take your taste buds on a magical journey, that you’ll remember for a long time to come.

Meet the Author: Richard Morten Richard Morten is a freelance writer and musician based in Bristol. He regularly contributes to a number of local newspapers, online journals and reference sites, as well as taking editorial roles on two regular publications. Richard’s work reflects strong interests in travel, culture, music and philosophy.

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Marrakech – The Food and Drinks on offer at Jemaa el Fna Market is a post from: Monkey Brewster

Scrabble Slam May 12, 2010 By: windygig, Flickr via Creative Commons

Once you’ve completed TESOL training, it’s time to think about your personal teaching methodology. To succeed in an English language classroom, you’ll need to focus on engaging your students. Here are some tips from TESOL masters that can help you capture your students’ attention and become a better teacher.

1. Bring Some Drama into the Classroom
One way to hold your students’ interest is by adding some drama to your lesson plans. TESOL students in most countries are familiar with American film, television and music. Instead of asking them to simply read dialogue from a textbook, assign roles and ask your students to act out the words to their favorite American TV show or karaoke to an American pop song.

Film reel By eelke dekker December 26, 2009, Flickr via Creative Commons

You can take drama in the classroom one step further and ask your students to dramatize scenes from well-known movies. Create a simplified script that includes some famous movie quotes, like “May the force be with you,” and let them have fun. A great resource for film quotes is the American Film Institute’s list of 100 Movie Quotes. If possible, try to videotape your class’ performance. Not only will this give you the opportunity to review your students’ English competency at a later time, it could offer the prospect of very engaging, entertaining in-class activities.

2. Have Fun with Word Games
Many teachers employ classroom games to help students learn English vocabulary and grammar. Using word games helps to motivate students and makes repetition less tiresome. There a variety of sources online for English language games, such as EnglishClub and Interesting Things for ESL Students. Create a repertoire of games that focus on different skills, so when your students begin to lose interest in one game, you can switch to another and keep the learning process fresh. Be sure to avoid complication by looking for games that require minimal or no equipment.
3. Solicit Student Feedback and Adapt your Lesson Plans
At the end of class, ask your students which activities they enjoyed most and then adapt your lesson plans based on the feedback you receive. The idea is not to let them dictate the lessons they learn — of course there are subjects that need to be covered and benchmarks that need to be hit — but by asking for their opinion, you’ll get to know your students and gain a better understanding of the teaching methods that are most effective for them. Although it may seem that using a predetermined lesson plan will save you time, in the long run it can keep you from succeeding because it may fail to actually engage your students. Adapting your lessons to your students’ language level and learning style is the best way to meet their language needs.
You can also ask your students how topics discussed in class relate to their culture. For example, there may be a holiday or other cultural event that you can incorporate into your lesson plan. If your students have trouble understanding your question, do some cultural research of your own outside of the classroom.
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For additional tips on becoming a better TESOL teacher, visit the TESOL Association resource center.

Meet the Author: Sarah Fudin Sarah Fudin currently works in community relations for the University of Southern California’s Online Masters in Education program, which provides students the opportunity to earn a TESOL certificate online. Outside of work Sarah enjoys running, reading and Pinkberry frozen yogurt.

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3 Tips to Become a Better TESOL Teacher is a post from: Monkey Brewster

If there’s one thing that comes to people’s minds when thinking about my destination, Ireland, it’s pubs. When in Dublin, though, it becomes clear that Ireland is by no means a one-trick
pony when it comes to good food and drink; from classy Irish restaurants to famous cafés, Dublin is teeming with choices when it comes to picking a meal to go with your 5th pint of Guinness.

I must admit, when I first arrived I made a beeline for the nearest pub. I didn’t have to look far – Dublin alone has over 600 pubs. I found a pub just outside the airport called The Coachman’s Inn, and had my first pint of the trip. It was a fine pub, but I knew Dublin had more to offer. What I recommend is that you either ask the locals or at least find a decent website to guide you to Dublin’s best.

First stop: Bewley’s Oriental Café. Bewley’s was founded in 1840 and is now the biggest importer of coffee in Ireland. The café itself was actually built in 1927 and is one of Dublin’s real gems. If hoping for a glimpse of your favourite Irish star, this might be a good place to start – the Café is known to be frequented by the likes of U2 and Bob Geldof. However, I didn’t go to Bewley’s for its living patrons so much as for its dead ones. The great author James Joyce used to come here, and the Café even named a room after him. Bewley’s Café might just be the perfect spot to read Dubliners. Authors and musicians aside, the Café’s theatre (I was treated to some classy Jazz act) and beautiful stained-glass windows make it worth a visit alone.

For famous pubs, I first headed to The Cobblestone, a popular “Trad” pub (Trad stands for traditional!). Once I’d gotten over the initial disappointment that The Cobblestone isn’t actually built out of cobblestone, I really dug the music and atmosphere. With nightly live Trad music playing there, it’s worth visiting even if you’re not planning on drinking. Next came The Brazen Head, which is supposedly the oldest pub in Ireland, dating back to 1198. Might I find some cobblestone here? As it turns out, nearly; its attractive exterior is built from bricks which give off a distinctive ‘Ye Olde Castle’ kind of vibe. Another great pub for live music, what most stood out for me was one of the bars, which was covered in signed notes of all different currencies. I wonder how many people have tried to steal one over the years? The Macardles Ale was particularly nice there, but for a taste of beer unique to Dublin, Microbreweries are
definitely the way to go. I’ll let you find them, because that’s half the fun…trust me.

After my pub crawl, I finally decided to visit a proper Irish restaurant … And ended up with a kebab. Close enough. I don’t remember much about it, but I’m pretty sure that in my drunken haze it tasted like the best food I’d ever eaten.

I think it’s fair to say my trip to Dublin was a success, but next time I should probably try and prove my point about Dublin not just being about the pubs …

Meet the Author: Louis Jobin Louis Jobin is an undergraduate studying English and Japanese Studies. His passions are European literature, Asian cuisine and Scandinavian music.

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Gastronomical Tourism Through Dublin – A Delicious Haze is a post from: Monkey Brewster

Jimador, Tequila Jalisco Mexico. by Celso Flores, on Flickr via Creative Commons

Tequila is produced through an age-old technique of distilling the juices of the agave plant. This member of the lily family is responsible for the whole family of Mezcal spirits, but while all Tequila is Mezcal, but not all Mezcal is Tequila!

By Mexican law, genuine Tequila can only be made from the blue agave plant, and only in certain regions – primarily the state of Jalisco in west-central Mexico. To experience the rich flavours of real 100% Agave Tequila, it’s recommended to go straight to the source and travel to Mexico.

Tequila and the Aztecs

Tequila boasts a history that dates back two thousand years. The early Aztecs found that when left exposed to air, the juice of the agave plant would ferment into a milky-white alcoholic liquid.

The called this drink ‘octili poliqhui’, which the Spaniards later corrupted into ‘pulque’. Apart from on feast days, pulque was only drunk by the ruling classes, as well as captive warriors, who were usually treated to a tipple just before they had their hearts cut out on a sacrificial altar.

Harvesting the agave

Before harvesting the agave, the plants are carefully tended for as long as ten years. The agave farmer, or campesino, waits until the plant reaches sexual maturity, before cutting off the flower stalk. This causes growth to be redirected to the bulb, which grows and swells, coming to resemble a bizarre green and white pineapple. Hence the name given to the harvested agave bulb – the ‘piña’, or ‘pineapple’.

Pina de agave by Celso Flores, on Flickr via Creative Commons

The Evolution of Tequila

Tequila enjoys a rich and fascinating heritage. After the Spanish arrived in Mexico in the 16th Century, pulque was enjoyed for some time by the conquistadores – though not as much as they enjoyed their European wines, as at this stage it still had a very low alcohol content.

It was later discovered that cooking the agave pulp produced a sweeter juice, which could then be fermented to produce the superior Mezcal wine. This flourished in the local tavernas, despite attempts to inhibit it by the Spanish royalty.

In the 17th century, the small village of Tequila in the province of Guadalajara was granted an official charter to produce the wine. Trade boomed, and shipments of Tequila Mezcal wine were soon being exported in all directions. In 1795, the Spanish Crown granted a license to a man by the name of José Cuervo, who soon began distilling the much stronger Tequila that we know today. The rest, as they say, is history.

Aging the Tequila

Tequila will usually be referred to as añejo (‘old’) or reposado (‘rested’), depending on how long it has been aged.

While reposado Tequila must be aged for a minimum legal period of two months, the older variety spends at least a year in oak barrels before being served. Some may be matured for as long as three years, but generally four years is considered to be the maximum. Any more than this, and there is a danger of the oak flavours overwhelming the subtler agave notes.

100% Agave

A number of ‘mixto’ Tequilas are available, where the ‘honey water’ is mixed with non-agave sweeteners, such as cane sugar. The higher quality, pure varieties are more popular however, containing nothing other than agave juice and a little water, and are renowned for their superior flavour characteristics. By Mexican law, all 100% agave Tequila must be bottled in Mexico.

Tequila by saguayo, on Flickr via Creative Commons

Gold and Silver

There are two main varieties of Tequila, which are either gold or silver (clear) in colour. Silver Tequila is not aged for as long, generally spending no more than 60 days maturing in stainless steel tanks. Some varieties are not aged at all.

Gold Tequila on the other hand is often barrel aged for up to four years, and the colour comes from the addition of caramel, as well as various other flavourings – popular choices in the past have included sherry, prunes and coconut!

The Worm

One famous Tequila tradition is eating the worm that can often be found floating in the bottle. This alcohol pickled larva is notoriously potent, and, according to some, can have hallucinogenic effects!

The worm itself is actually the larva of one of the two moths that live on the agave plant, and technically, it is never added to Tequila – finding a worm in your bottle is a pretty sure indicator that you’re actually drinking Tequila’s country cousin, Mezcal.

It certainly seems like a strange tradition, and no-one knows for sure when or why it started. However, one plausible story is that the worm provides evidence for the strength of the Mezcal; if the worm remains intact, it suggests that the alcohol content is high enough to preserve the pickled worm.

Republic Tequila organic varieties by JSDavis82, on Flickr via Creative Commons

The Birth of the Margarita

Although small amounts of Tequila were exported into the US as early as the 19th century, it wasn’t until the 1940s that it became widespread. A number of Hollywood actors caught on to this hip new drink, and pretty soon Tequila-infused drinks such as the Margarita and the Tequila Sunrise became fashionable at cocktail parties around the globe. Actor and crooner Bing Crosby was so taken with the beverage, that he even started importing Tequila himself!

A Town Called Tequila

For a great trip idea when on holiday in Guadalajara, ride the Tequila Express for a tour of the nearby town called Tequila. Here, dozens of different distilleries produce their own brands of Tequila. There are too many distilleries to see them all, but if you only visit one, make it La Rojena, the home of Jose Cuervo. Not only is Jose Cuervo the bestselling Tequila in the world, but La Rojena is also the oldest distillery in North America.

Meet the Author: David Clough   Dave Clough is a music journalist, blogger and travel writer from the UK. He has DJ’d across the globe and is involved in club night event promotions in London.

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A Historical Guide to Real Mexican Tequila is a post from: Monkey Brewster

Image Property of Author: Liah S Thorley

One of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe since the birth of mass tourism in the 1960’s, Mallorca may give the impression of being overrun by the package holiday crowd. For that reason I was a little dubious about going, but on the advice of a friend I booked it and I’m sure glad I did. Whilst there is a definite presence of that home from home tourism, with the British style pub down the road and the big screen TV showing premiership football, there is far more to discover on this beautiful Mediterranean Island than I could have imagined.

As the plane edged closer over the stunning coastline, glittering blue and gold like lapis lazuli, I began to realise just why so many people flock there. The rugged coastline is littered with white sandy beaches and isolated coves, and if you take the time to look – it is possible to get away from the crowds and find a nice peaceful spot to relax. Without giving away too many secrets, try Es Carbo for that quiet time, but if you are up for something more bustling then Alcudia is one of the most stunning beaches on the med, and whilst you compromise on body count there are  plenty of facilities to take advantage of.

Image Property of Author: Liah S Thorley

Image Property of Author: Liah S Thorley

Everyone loves a beautiful beach, but I have never been one to just lay there in the sun and do nothing, so when my plane lowered over Palma I was delighted to see the majestic gothic architecture of the 14th century cathedral looking up at me. As a lover of history and architecture I was not disappointed when I approached it from the more conventional way, by foot, a couple of days later. Described as the ‘glory of Palma’ the golden sandstone rises up from the seafront with sweeping flying buttresses and towering spires like something from a fairy-tale. Inside  colours rain down through the huge rose window and bathe all beneath with dancing light. Add in Gaudi’s wrought iron candelabra that surround the great columns and the unfinished crown of thorns…one can hardly fail to be impressed. For more tastes of Mallorca’s cultural past perhaps pay a visit to Banys Arabs (the Arab baths), sadly all that remains of the 10th century Arabic city, or take a trip  out to one of the islands castles such as the particularly well preserved Santueri where its position atop a rocky outcrop affords stunning views over the south east coast.

Image Property of Author: Liah S Thorley

Image Property of Author: Liah S Thorley

There are plenty of the usual eateries to be found here if that’s your bag, but if like me, you prefer something with more local flavour then you won’t be disappointed. There are so many excellent places to eat in Mallorca ; from local cafes and tapas bars, to the old style cellars…I was spoiled for choice. Healthy eating and organic options are no stranger to this island either, though vegetarian can sometimes take a little more of an explanation. Wine has been part of the Mallorcan culture since Roman times and after a lull in quality during the early 20th century, the industry has really begun to find its feet again. There are some lovely vineyards who welcome visitors and no stay in Mallorca would be complete without sampling at least one of the local wines.

Meet the Author: Liah S Thorley Liah S Thorley is a travel writer and novelist from the UK. She has travelled extensively and particularly enjoys history and the arts.

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Changing the Mallorcan Myth is a post from: Monkey Brewster

Photo Property of T. Jesenicnik

Recessions, rising costs, inflation…with all the economical doom and gloom that plagues the UK press right now, I just had to get out of the country for a bit and let loose.

Having scoured the internet for a place with all the holiday essentials (a good bar or two), I found the perfect place. ..so off I went in the search of fun and frivolity at my destination, Slovenia!

Photo Property of K. Kunaver

After a tiresome journey, I will admit that my primary aim was to hit a local bar as soon as possible to sample local delights, but as drinking before 11am is generally frowned upon, I decided to check out a few of the local tourist sights. I was staying in Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, where there proved plenty of things to do. However, my particular highlight was Ljubljana Castle, which dates back to 1200 BC. It has a fascinating history: it was used to defend against Turkish invasions, peasant rebellions and was even used as a military hospital in the 18^th Century.

Photo Property of Bobo

After my hit of Slovenian history, it was well past lunch-time and was high-time to find some food to feed this wandering soul.  After drifting around the town for a while, I found the Cutty Sark Pub and it was from here the fun started…The pub itself had a warm atmosphere and most importantly, a whole host of beers. Drinking there for most of the afternoon, I got to know a few of the locals who managed to persuade me to partake in a light drinking game or two. Needless to say, it didn’t end well! Lucky for me, my hotel was a short stumble away from the pub, allowing me to sleep off my hangover for most of the next day. I’m not going to lie to you, the Slovenians I met knew how to drink and boy could they do it for a long time! Three years of University lifestyle was nothing compared to the night I had…

Photo Property of M. Petrej

My introduction to Slovenian customs the previous night had left me feeling more than a little peckish.  Lucky for me, I discovered the holy grail of fast-food restaurants, a place aptly named “Hot Horse.” Although dining in Slovenia, especially in the capital, can be quite expensive, this place was excellent value for money. The speciality of this restaurant is horse burgers. The infamous horse-burger is huge and comes in at the equivalent of around £2. The tastiest and most effective hangover cure for that price!

Photo Property of O. Trzic

Slovenia was a brilliant holiday, just what I needed to shake off the recession-blues! Be sure to check out the horse burgers and, for your own sake, do not try and keep up with the locals when you’re drinking. You will lose. You have been warned!

Meet the Author: Jade Eva  Jade Eva is an English Literature student who has read books based in all the corners of the world. But now she wants to see it for herself. From Verona to Vegas, Peru to Portugal, Jade will see it all!

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Stumbling Around Slovenia is a post from: Monkey Brewster