Well, I hope you packed them as walking is “just what you’ll do” in the glorious, welcoming, fair city of Dublin. Lying between Howth in the north and Dalkey to the south, the iconic River Liffey divides the city in two.
Wandering along the streets and banks of the river crisscrossing bridges such as the O’Connell Bridge and the Ha’Penny Bridge (pictured above) is a joy.
Make sure you find a few hours just to meander, stopping at one of the many speciality coffee shops that have sprung up across the city in recent years.
Trinity College
Ireland’s capital is a UNESCO City of Literature and is renowned for its literary figures such as Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, and WB Yeats. With that in mind, a great place to start any tour of the city is at the Trinity College Library.
The Long Room Library contains over 200,000 old manuscripts including the Book of Kells – an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, which dates back to the 9th century.
Dublin Castle
A visit to the somewhat hidden Dublin Castle is well worth it.
For a handful of euros, you can tour the magnificent staterooms, the Viking Excavation, and the Chapel Royal as well as relax and unwind in the Dubh Linn Gardens that gave Dublin its name.
Dublin’s Cathedrals
Dublin has two cathedrals dating back some 800 years. St Patrick’s Cathedral is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland and offers visitors the chance to enjoy not only its grandness and opulence but also if you time your visit right, the beautifully haunting choir.
Christ Church Cathedral is smaller. It may not be to everyone’s taste but on display in the shrine, you will find the embalmed heart of a 12th-century Archbishop of Dublin as well as a mummified cat and rat amongst other more welcoming attractions of course!
Kilmainham Gaol
If you are interested in Ireland’s history then take the short 15-minute bus journey out of the city centre to Gallows Hill and the site of Kilmainham Gaol. Opened in 1796, Kilmainham became a place of punishment for political prisoners and convicts from Ireland’s uprising and civil war.
Other sites that are well worth considering are the Irish Museum of Modern Art located on the grounds of the Royal Hospital at Kilmainham. The National Gallery of Ireland has works by Picasso, Monet, and renowned Irish artist Jack B Yeats. Then there is the Little Museum of Dublin which tells the story of the city.
Getting Active
If the weather is kind and you are looking to enjoy some outdoor spaces then head over to St Stephen’s Green, which was once simple farmland, as well as the location for public executions and witch burnings. Today this is a beautiful park and a great place to relax, set up a picnic and people watch.
In the Grand Canal Dock, those looking for water sports can try paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing courtesy of Surfdock.
Perhaps you are visiting for sporting reasons with Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium both world-class stadiums for Gaelic football, Hurling, and Rugby.
Dublin’s Bars
Dublin is, of course, famous for its pubs and you will not be disappointed. Temple Bar with its cobbled streets, buskers and lively atmosphere is where the crowds will congregate for good times, Since 1840, the Temple Bar Pub has been the iconic Dublin pub and today populates the Instagram feeds and provides entertainment, a beer garden and of course the black stuff!
Also, try the Porterhouse which opened in 1996 as Dublin’s first pub brewery.
The Dawson Lounge on Dawson Street is Dublin’s smallest bar and is full of character and charm.
The Shelbourne Hotel’s warm and intimate Horseshoe Bar is well known for attracting politicians, journalists, and local celebrities.
The Guinness
Served in every bar will be that Irish black and white icon – the Guinness. To learn the craft of brewing you can take a tour of the popular 18th century Guinness Storehouse. Be sure to book ahead and take advantage of a discount on your entrance ticket. Your tour is completed with a pint in the modern 360-degree Gravity Bar which is perched on top of the building.
Another beverage to sample whilst in Dublin is Irish Whiskey and a tour is possible at the Jameson Distillery.
Irish Music
While sampling that beer and enjoying the bars, you will likely also be entertained with some live Irish music.
The Brazen Head is 800 years old and the oldest pub in all of Ireland, or so they say, and a popular haunt for those seeking traditional music, great food, and fun times.
Enjoy the Craic
Whatever the reason for your visit, I am sure that once you take off those boots at the end of the day your feet may be aching but your heart will be smiling from the warmth of the legendary Irish hospitality.
Enjoy Dublin and enjoy the “craic” as they say in these parts!
Till next time…
Contact Information
This blog was written for the in-flight magazine of Aurigny Airlines which launched flights from Guernsey to Dublin, United Kingdom on the 16th of March 2022.
For more details on their schedules and to book, visit Aurigny Airlines.
The US city of Seattle and the lesser-known parts of Washington State have always held a fascination for me. It was back in 1980 when as an 11-year-old boy, my school year took part in a foreign exchange. The young lad I was paired up with was from the city of Spokane. He visited me in the UK and told stories of his family, his home, the Pacific Northwest coast and the natural beauty of the area. Over 40 years later we are still in touch, not by post, as in those days, but through the wonder of social media.
Soon after his visit on the 18th of May 1980, an earthquake struck below the north face of Mount St. Helens, triggering the largest landslide in history. This major volcanic eruption made the headlines worldwide. My new friend sent me a shoe box containing a small pot containing some of the ash that was scattered across an incredible 12 US states, some local chocolates and a copy of the local newspaper – The Spokesman-Review, which I still have to this day.
Over 40 years later that fascination remains, so when I was recently in contact with the newly rebranded State of Washington Tourism I was keen to learn what’s new for 2022 in both Seattle but also those small Washington State towns which perhaps do not get the recognition they and the region merit.
Seattle, Washington State
2022 marks a major milestone with the 60th Anniversary of the Space Needle. In 1962, Seattle hosted the World’s Fair, and the newly completed Space Needle became one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world as well as a treasured icon for the city. The 60th anniversary of the Space Needle will be on the 21st of April 2022. Today, visitors can experience two breathtaking levels of floor-to-ceiling glass with a 360⁰ view of Seattle plus the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.
The Seattle Waterfront Development is completely overhauling the ‘look’ of this alluring city. In 2019 the viaduct road that blocked views and cut the waterfront off from downtown was removed and taken underground, freeing the city’s vision of opening the waterfront, with its mountain backdrop, to downtown. Today, the harbour is being transformed into a beautiful expanse of open public spaces with magnificent water and mountain vistas.
Winslow, Bainbridge Island
Winslow is located on Bainbridge Island (gateway to the Olympic Peninsula) and a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. If you’re in Seattle and want to explore more, hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island where you’ll find the little town of Winslow, filled with lots to do and many treasures just waiting to be discovered. Make the return trip at sunset, to see the city’s skyline lit up and all aglow.
This charming village is the heart and soul of Bainbridge Island. Its main street invites you to explore further; saunter down one side of the street and back up the other, stopping for coffee, a bite to eat, wine tasting, browsing in eclectic boutiques and galleries, or checking out the yachts in the Eagle Harbor Marina.
If you’re driving, be sure to stop at the 150-acre Bloedel Reserve with its spectacular walking trails, streams, ponds, gardens galore and the Bloedel family’s former home, now a museum.
From the Bloedel Reserve, it’s seven minutes to Chief Seattle’s Gravesite near the Suquamish Museum – a must-see before continuing for an hour to Port Townsend to catch the ferry to Coupeville.
Tip: Seattle was named after the Duwamish chief, famous for a speech he gave about being responsible to the environment and having respect for the land rights of his people.
Coupeville
Located in the centre of Whidbey Island (one hour from Seattle in Washington State), accessible by ferry from Port Townsend or Mukilteo and the Deception Pass Bridge to the north.
Coupeville harks back to an era more than a century ago and is known as Washington’s second-oldest community. Along the historic waterfront discover 100-year-old buildings that were once livery stables or barber shops and are now cafes, wine-tasting rooms or bookshops. Front Street offers small shops with local artisan products and galleries. Be sure to check out the Coupeville wharf, jutting out into the water from Front Street. It’s part of Whidbey Island’s fascinating history and to learn more, the Island County Museum is a good place to start.
Waterfront restaurants offer views of Penn Cove, home to Washington’s famous mussels. Just a few minutes away is the historic Captain Whidbey Inn. Located on the shoreline of the cove, they are known for their delicious recipe of Penn Cove Mussels, sauteed in white wine and garlic. Enjoy making this dish yourself!
Coupeville rests in the heart of Ebey’s Reserve, a partnership with the National Park Service and the first of its kind in the USA, with some of the oldest homes in the state. Several miles away is Fort Casey State Park with trails and vistas of the Olympic Peninsula.
Tip:Musselfest is an annual festival in early March, celebrating the delicious and award-winning mussels grown in Penn Cove.
Head to Deception Pass State Park, a half-hour drive north, with its beaches and trails meandering through thick forests. Cross the 54-meter Deception Pass Bridge and drive 20 minutes to Anacortes to catch the ferry to Friday Harbor.
Friday Harbor
Located in the San Juan Islands, an hour’s ferry ride from Anacortes, 90 minutes north of Seattle in Washington State.
Named as “#4 for Top Islands of the Continental US and Canada” by Travel + Leisure magazine, the San Juan Islands are an archipelago of more than 400 islands with 769 km of shoreline. Friday Harbor is the jewel of the islands, a picturesque, historic Pacific Northwest treasure that’s a walkable seaport only steps away from the ferry landing. Travelling by ferry to this charming town is part of the fun of visiting, as the vessel meanders through gorgeous islands shrouded in evergreen forests. Visitors can also arrive by seaplane, enjoying a bird’s eye view en route.
Once in town, small friendly boutiques offer delightful shopping experiences and excellent restaurants abound. A car isn’t needed to explore this enchanting town as it’s so easy to explore on foot, although parking is available at one of the private parking lots for an easy day trip.
A whale-watching adventure is a must-do since orcas are prevalent in the area. To learn more before going out, stop by the Whale Museum. They keep a map of recent whale sightings, identifying the whales seen by name, i.e. SurpriseL-86, meaning she’s from the L-pod. Here you’ll find information about the pods of the Southern Resident Community of Orcas as well as the natural history of marine mammals around the islands.
To get up close to the marine life, rent a kayak from one of the excellent outfitters in the area. Or rent a bicycle to explore the island on land. Head along the coastline dotted with lighthouses and keep a lookout for whales that you can spot from the shore. On your way back to town, ride through the beautiful countryside where the fragrance of summer lavender fields will fill your senses.
Tip:Lime Kiln Point is considered one of the best whale-watching spots on Earth, especially from May through September.
From Anacortes, it’s an easy 20-minute drive to La Conner.
La Conner
Located east of Anacortes in the Skagit Valley, 90 minutes north of Seattle in Washington State.
Take time on the drive to La Conner to explore the country roads, lush with fields of daffodils and tulips in the spring, or berries, wheat and corn in the summer. Classic barns and farmhouses have spectacular flowers brimming from hanging baskets, pots and planters with gardens of bright colours framing the buildings. Farm stands dot the countryside where you can buy fresh jams, flowers, ice cream and a myriad of home-grown treats. Snow Goose Produce is a summer favourite—a family-run, country market, famous for its ice cream cones.
As you head into town, you’ll discover why La Conner is often named one of the most romantic getaways in Washington. This delightful village boasts galleries showcasing local artists, boutique shopping for every taste and eateries with seafood purchased directly from fishermen right off their boats. Don’t miss the award-winning Calico Cupboard Café & Bakery for delicious handmade bakery items. Better yet, take a few moments to enjoy breakfast or lunch.
A boardwalk runs along the Swinomish Channel offering a lovely way to wind down at the end of the day, take in the beautiful views and stop for a sip of wine.
Tip: The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is held every April.
La Conner is the gateway to the 708-km Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway and will take you through North Cascades National Park on the 3-hour drive east to Winthrop. The national park, one of three in Washington, is known for its majestic mountain scenery, cascading waterfalls, snowfields, glaciers and alpine meadows filled with summer wildflowers with some of the most spectacular views in the Pacific Northwest.
Winthrop
If you fancy a Western-style escape with a bit of cowboy flair, Winthrop is the place to go. It’s been preserved to resemble the 1850s Wild West. Maybe catch a rodeo and don a cowboy hat! Reminiscent of the movie High Noon, it’s easy to imagine walking in the middle of a movie set with the town’s wooden pavements, hitching rails, saloon-style entrances and boardwalks. Western murals add to the old-time vibe. Boutiques offer one-of-a-kind items for gifts or mementoes. For more details about the area’s history, stop by the Shafer Historical Museum.
But Winthrop is more than an old west town. It’s also known as an outstanding recreational area for all seasons with hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, trail running and even horse riding. The Methow River offers many opportunities for fishing, river rafting, kayaking and swimming on warm summer days.
A highlight in the area is Sun Mountain Lodge, a premier year-round destination resort offering mountaintop accommodation at its finest with dining of uncompromising excellence. Winter activities include groomed ski trails, which in the summer months are perfect for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. There are pools, hot tubs, private wagon rides, tennis and golf.
From June through September, take a tour of the North Cascades Smokejumper Base to discover how smokejumpers protect national forest resources from wildfire. This troupe of fire experts travel across the US to fight fires and protect thousands of acres of forests annually.
Wherever your interests lie, Winthrop is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Tip: Winthrop celebrates Washington’s 76th Annual ’49er Days in early May – an old west heritage festival of rich western and equestrian history.
Head southeast for nearly five hours to Dayton.
Dayton
Located 45 minutes north of Walla Walla, 4.5 hours from Seattle in Washington State. Historic Dayton is tucked into the fertile farmlands and wheatfields of eastern Washington, sought after by pioneer settlers in the 1800s. Its history has been well-preserved boasting 117 buildings on the National Register of Historic Sites, with self-guided walking tours through three National Historic Districts.
Four museums tell the fascinating story of the town. The Dayton Historic Depot was the oldest in Washington. The Boldman House Museum recounts the story of the 90-year life of one family who lived there. Smith Hollow Schoolhouse is a newly restored country schoolhouse, and the Palus Museum shares the cultural and geologic history of the people who lived there.
Dayton has a vibrant, nostalgic downtown business district with gourmet restaurants, farm-to-table restaurants and American eclectic cuisine. There’s even an old-fashioned soda fountain!
A 10-minute drive away is Lewis & Clark Trail State Park giving details and information about the history of the area. These two famed explorers passed through the property in 1806. Add another half hour to reach Walla Walla, voted by readers of USA Today as “America’s Best Wine Region” for two years in a row. SEE MORE
Tip: Take time to sip and savour on the Highway 12 corridor connecting Dayton to Walla Walla as it passes through one of the most exciting wine and food regions in the Pacific Northwest. The valley is home to over 140 vineyards!
Oysterville
Located on the Willapa Bay on the Long Beach Peninsula, 2.5 hours from Seattle, Washington State. Or located 35 minutes north of Astoria, Oregon, driving across the Astoria-Megler Bridge to the Long Beach Peninsula.
As you’re travelling the peninsula, you will discover the charming little town of Oysterville. This historic community nestled along the Willapa Bay was a lusty boomtown in the mid-1800s. Its glamour faded with the oyster population, leaving behind lovely homes of pioneer descendants, several of whom still own their ancestral properties. In 1976, the village was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, a self-guided walking tour is available to learn about the fascinating history of the town. Be sure to visit the church, built in 1892. Sit in the pews and listen to the reverberations of hymns sung by villagers for a century. Stop by the cannery building, home of Oysterville Sea Farms. Although no longer a working cannery, visitors can purchase fresh oysters or steamer clams straight from the bay. You’ll be amazed to see mountains of white oyster shells around every corner!
While on the Long Beach Peninsula, the longest continuous sand beach in the US, stop by the Cranberry Museum, only 20 minutes away and take a walking tour to learn about this historic berry. Or check out the World Kite Museum nearby. And, of course, being right on the Pacific Ocean, don’t miss the chance to put your toes in the sand!
Tip: Washington’s International Kite Festival is held every August.
Getting To Washington State
In 2022 there are direct non-stop flights between Seattle and London with American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic and with Aer Lingus from Dublin.
Another significant development for the city of Seattle is the expansion of its Light Rail. Once through the airport, in just 40 minutes you can travel from the airport to downtown for $4.00 (around £3).
Contact Information
For more details on taking a trip to Washington State in the United States of America check out their fabulous website which includes a wealth of information and useful tips.
Participating in and watching winter sports has always been a passion however in recent times I have not had the opportunity to get my skis on and hit those wonderful invigorating slopes. My desire to do so has been raised a notch this week with the start of the Beijing Olympic Winter Games which runs from the 4th to the 20th of February 2022.
Now there has been plenty of controversy around these games but one thing for certain is that there is always a legacy from hosting an Olympics. I reckon over the coming years we will see more and more Chinese athletes competing successfully in the Winter Games and in events we would previously not have expected them to be successful.
Another legacy would normally be the resort and facilities themselves. It remains to be seen whether Beijing can attract winter sports enthusiasts after the games or indeed whether the facilities will remain. The fact that the city is entirely dependent on artificial snow which is not at all environmentally friendly begs further questions. However, for now, incredible sporting prowess will get the headlines and I am sure an amazing event will unfold as it has done at so many games over the years. Who could forget Torvill and Dean’s Bolero in Sarajevo in 1984 or those incredible Summer Olympics in London in 2012?
Whistler Olympic Games 2010
Another destination that made a splash or should that be a carved turn is Whistler in British Columbia, Canada. They hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and 12 years on, the spirit and impact of those games lives on.
While it was Vancouver that was the primary host city, the resorts of Whistler and Richmond both hosted many events. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain was already renowned for top-class skiing and snowboarding however following these Olympics it became recognized as one of the leading premier alpine sports venues in the world. As well as staging the alpine, cross-country, Biathlon, Nordic combined, and ski jumping events, it was also home to the bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton.
A Sustainable Games
The 2010 Olympics cemented Canada’s reputation as being one of the world leaders in sustainability. Throughout the games, the total energy consumption of all the venues was monitored and made accessible to the public. While one of the venues was being constructed there was the amusing story of a settlement of tiny-tailed frogs being discovered and relocated to safety. A small step or perhaps that should be hop but a story with meaning that seemed to resonate with those looking for positive sustainable messages.
As a result of these games, Whistler became a blueprint for future events in terms of sustainability and environmental issues.
Venues from 2010
Stories of Olympic venues going into disrepair in the months and years following the event have sadly been a common occurrence. However, here in Whistler, the legacy has been maintained with four key areas continuing to attract tourism and make the most of that investment from 2010.
The Whistler Athletes’ Centre is currently a training and accommodation facility for various sports and cultural activities.
The Whistler Sliding Sports Centre is a world-class training location for bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge. If you have ever fancied giving it a go you can slide like an Olympian by becoming a passenger in a Bobsleigh which is driven by a trained pilot. You could take a solo skeleton ride through six corners and at speeds of up to 100kph. There are also opportunities for all to try the sport of luge. The Centre provides various spectating opportunities to watch athletes training and finally, you can enjoy a tour where you can learn the history of the centre and those games in 2010.
The Whistler Olympic Park is a 130km area of skiing and hiking trails, with accommodation and other facilities. Events that today you can enjoy include Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing Tours, Biathlon, Tobogganing as well as Youth Spring Break Camps.
Former housing units from Whistler’s Olympic Village have been relocated to provide affordable housing to communities in need.
Whistler Today
These legacies from the Olympics in 2010 helped to make Whistler the world-class winter holiday resort it is today. 37 lifts are servicing over 200 runs offering everything from beginners’ slopes and tuition to some of the toughest ski runs in the world.
Whistler is divided into a few different areas but throughout the resort, there are high-class hotels like the Fairmont Chateau or the Four Seasons Whistler. There are plenty of health and wellness hotels for easing those tired limbs after a day on the slopes. Families are well catered for with many welcoming properties with a wide choice of facilities. Add to this great dining options with atmospheric restaurants for all tastes and budgets and a nightlife that puts many resorts apres skis to shame.
Whistler Village is the most built-up part of the resort. This pedestrianized village is full of cobbled streets and boutique shops, restaurants and bars. With two lifts to the slopes, this is a great place to stay for both ski access and après ski.
Other parts of the resort include Upper Whistler where you can ski to the hotel door and easily access the many trails for cross-country skiers. There is Creekside which is a popular spot for families as it’s quieter yet with plenty of facilities. Then there is Alta Vista and Function Junction, both alternative options between the village and the slopes.
Numerous events including concerts, festivals, live music, and street entertainments are common throughout the season. Whilst I have focused on winter visits it is worth noting that Whistler is also very popular in the summer months with activities galore including hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and golf.
Environmental Efforts
The resort now has a strong vision for sustainability and actively encourages a variety of suggestions to visitors. Tap water is safe to drink so you are encouraged to use that over bottled alternatives, therefore reducing plastic waste. Whistler is working towards becoming a plastic bag-free community. You are invited to not bring your car to Whistler and instead look at public transport and shuttles from airports and nearby towns. For those bringing cars then electric vehicles are well received with many recharging stations.
Hotel linen programs invite you to not change your sheets and towels daily. Litter cleaning, waste, and composting efforts are widespread. As well as these invitations to tourists the local community also have their initiatives with the sole aim of protecting the area’s natural environment.
Many of these measures were introduced as a direct impact from the Olympic Games in 2010 and today these efforts are more important than ever.
How To Get There
Flight access to Whistler is via either Seattle-Tacoma, Vancouver International or the lesser-known Bellingham International Airport and then bus or car transfers to the resort.
Get Your Skates On
Whistler is an example of how the hosting of a Winter Olympics can be the catalyst for a brighter sustainable and more responsible future. Let’s hope that Beijing and the Winter Olympics of 2022 can not only deliver an amazing experience but also a legacy of blending sport with culture, education, and international cooperation – after all, that is the Olympic ideal.
For some, the idea of a city break during the winter months is not even a consideration. In my opinion, however, these are some of the very best times to discover some of Europe’s finest cities. They not only give a different perspective with snowy scenes and different attractions but they are also quieter and that has many benefits.
One such city is the Czech Republic capital of Prague. The city tourist office has been in contact with me to highlight some of the attractions of spending a few days during the winter in Prague.
Prague Castle
Open throughout the year but in wintertime daily from 9 am to 4 pm, the Prague Castle has been an important symbol of the Czech state for more than a thousand years. This iconic European castle was founded in the 9th century and became the seat of Czech rulers and later presidents.
There is a small entrance fee after which you can enjoy this huge castle covering 45 hectares with its historical palaces, church, fortification buildings, and gardens.
Prague’s Wintry Towers
A visit to Prague is not complete unless you have scaled one of the many towers for a bird’s eye view of the city. Each provides unusual views of the historic squares, the magical mosaic of the roofs, and the bridges and embankments of the Vltava River waterfront.
There are many to choose from and they all have their own story to tell. Suggestions include the Old Town Hall, The Powder Gate Tower, St Nicholas Bell Tower, the Old Town Bridge Tower, Petrín Lookout Tower, New Mill Water Tower, and the Lesser Town Bridge.
River Cruise
From a starting point at what is called Prague Venice which is close to both the Charles Bridge and Judith Bridge, you could enjoy a 45-minute cruise for unforgettable views of the Vltava River.
Sights include Kampa Island, the Petrin Tower, the skyline of Prague castle as well as temples and palaces, a different perspective on Charles Bridge and other key landmarks of the city. Onboard, during these wintry months, you can stay warm by the boat’s stove and drink mulled wine while enjoying the views, the experience, and the ambience.
Walking Tours
During these strange times of Covid, many cities including Prague are seeing an increase in private walking tours with a guide rather than in larger groups. The trained guides are very respectful of the specific wishes of these private tours, taking things at their own pace and stopping where they wish to stop.
In Prague, there are some fabulous cultural and historical private tours available. You can just uncover the Old Town and Lesser Town. There are historical tours that follow the story of the 27 executed Czech Lords and The Prague Protectorate. Another discovers the monuments and architecture.
Capadlo Ice Skating Rink
From early December through to the end of February why not get your skates on and head to the centre of Prague and enjoy the family fun and atmosphere of ice skating at Capadlo Ice Rink? There is a deposit on the skates and a small charge plus helmets are mandatory for children under 12. The next stop will surely be Dancing on Ice and TV stardom!
Prague Christmas Markets
One of Europe’s best Christmas markets takes place here in Prague at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Visitors can expect a wonderful atmosphere, carols, stands, food, and local drinks.
Out and About
Throughout Prague, there are some delightful parks and green spaces – or snowy spaces in those winter months. So many places for you to relax and unwind including the Royal Game Reserve, Stromovka, Letna Park, the Petrín Gardens, and the Vltava Islands.
There is Vysehrad for the finest city views and Havlícek Gardens for history and exercise. Further afield there is Kunratice Forest, the Dalej and Prokop Valleys Nature Park, Divoká Sarka Park, and the Hvezda Game.
Winter In Prague
There are many well-priced regional flight options from the UK to Prague so if you fancy a winter in Prague (or anytime actually) then for more information contact the Prague City Tourism Office or the Czech Tourist Board.
Bookings should be made with your local travel agent or specialist tour operator.
The German capital of Berlin has been in touch with me to highlight the multitude of events and attractions they have coming up in 2022 to welcome visitors to this great city.
Berlin offers such a wealth of history, a contemporary art scene, green spaces galore, and some iconic sights to draw in visitors. There is fantastic nightlife with unusual bars and a gastronomic scene to rival any in Europe. For some retail therapy try the designer stores of Kurfurstendamm and the unusual shops at Hackescher Markt and Akazienstrasse.
With over 100 museums, a world-leading Zoo, the TV Tower and many family-friendly attractions consider buying a Berlin Welcome Card to use on transport and to get discounts on many of these wonderful attractions.
Aside from all of this let’s discover what’s new in Berlin for 2022 with just some of the cultural and sporting events and new openings they have planned for this year.
Cultural & Sport Events 2022
72nd International Film Festival Berlin
10 – 20 February 2022
The Berlin International Film Festival, Berlinale for short, takes place annually in Berlin and is one of the most important film festivals. The festival’s central venue remains the Berlinale Palast on Potsdamer Platz, where the press centre, service facilities, and other festival cinemas are also located.
Berlin Design Week
12-22 May 2022
From the opening night with the showrooms in Bikini Berlin and the Design pool, to the closing highlight of the Open Studio Nights, the Berlin Design Week offers a variety of events. Over 11 days the exhibitions, showrooms, talks and guided tours through to workshops, screenings and conferences will enthral the design world and visitors at various locations in Berlin.
CSD Berlin – Christopher Street Day
23 July 2022
All being well over one million people will attend the Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Berlin to enjoy great music, to party and to show support for equal rights and diversity.
Special Olympics Nationale Spiele
19-24 June 2022
The National Summer Games of the Special Olympics will take place under the motto “Stronger together”. Around 4,500 athletes with and without disabilities will compete during the six days of intense competition.
Long Night of Museums
27 Aug 2022
The Long Night of Museums in Berlin offers an unmistakable opportunity to come into direct contact with art and culture of all kinds. The event provides over 750 events such as special exhibitions, installations and entertaining short, guided tours, readings with actors, shows, workshops, culinary delights and music from tango to techno across over 75 museums.
Festival of Lights
07-16 October 2022
This year the Festival of Lights will once again transform Berlin into a city of lights. The monuments, buildings, streets, quarters, and squares will be illuminated by artistic productions and carry the messages, themes and contents of the light artists.
New Year’s Eve at Brandenburg Gate
31 December 2022
For Berlin in 2022 how about one of Europe’s best New Year’s Eve events with music, food, traditions, and fireworks overlooking the iconic Brandenburg Gate?
New Openings in 2022
SamuraiArt Museum
One of the world’s largest collections of weapons and blacksmithing of the Samurai culture is expected to be presented in the new Samurai Museum in Mitte in March. In addition to the collection pieces and original historical objects, you can discover the world of the samurai using virtual reality. You will also see works by contemporary Japanese artists.
Berlin Zoo
Around 20 different animal species including snow leopards, red pandas, elks, and Tibetan wild ass will occupy a new specially created mountain and forest region from spring. The Himalayan Worlds cover an area of around 60,000 square metres and is designed above all to make the animals feel comfortable and at home.
Play! by Mattel
Mattel’s Play and adventure centre is set to become the new family magnet in Berlin this spring. Over 4000 square metres, Barbie, Hot Wheels and Mega Blok’s fans can immerse themselves in real and virtual play worlds. In addition to the individual play areas, the new family entertainment centre will also offer workshops, entertainment events and gastronomy. Incidentally, Mattel is opening another Mission: Play! In Dubai.
Berlin in 2022
With easy regional airport access from the UK and less than 2 hours in the air, Berlin in 2022 is a superb city or short break destination in Germany.
Some great news from Costa Rica and Ecuador. To be fair there is rarely bad news from these two countries when it comes to creating sustainable tourism and protection of the environment! Costa Rica recently announced that it would increase the protection of an area known as the Cocos Island National Park and the Bicentennial Marine Management Area.
It took 5 years to arrange but they plan to now protect 30% of its seas to preserve marine ecosystems and combat climate change.
This governmental order increases the size of the National Park by 26 times from 2,034 km² to 54,844 km². The Bicentennial Marine Management Area increases from 9,649 km² to 106,285 km². Overall this helps Costa Rica achieve its goal to protect not only 30% of Costa Rica’s forests but also its marine resources.
Multinational fishing interests of course opposed this expansion. These newly protected areas are outside the zones where most of Costa Rica’s local fishermen make their living. I particularly love this – as Costa Rica expands marine protection, the country is looking after its people and going further with its efforts to protect our oceans.
So while this may have upset the multinationals it has pleased many including the actor Leonardo DiCaprio who celebrated through his social media Twitter channel praising the Costa Rican government and President Carlos Alvarado for these actions.
Similarly in Ecuador, President Guillermo Lasso this week signed a decree creating an enormous new marine reserve north of the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific. The new reserve, named “Hermandad” (Brotherhood), expands the protected waters by 60,000 square kilometres.
This new area protects wildlife in the marine corridor connecting the Galapagos Marine Reserve to Costa Rica’s newly expanded marine reserves.
Well done to both of these wonderful countries for making these commitments
As they say in Costa Rica – Pura Vida or Pure Life
