We spent 24 hours in Vienna, soaking up the culture, the history, the food and the atmosphere. Not nearly enough time, but with such a photogenic city, it wasn’t difficult to take a few choice snaps. We wrapped up against the elements and found plenty of gorgeous cafes in which to seek refuge. Schnitzel, apfelstrudel, cafe … More Photo essay: snowy Vienna
Introduction: Time of year: January 2017 – minus five degrees during the day, with snow on the ground. Purpose of trip: Nigel had decided to partake in some ‘health tourism’ in Slovakia as he needed some heavy duty dental treatment. We thought that we’d make a break out of it, as there needed to be … More Review: Danubius Health Spa Resort – Esplanade, Piestany, Slovakia
Introduction: Time of year: Early December, 2016 Purpose of trip: Nigel had two days of business meetings in London; Jane had a couple of free days and a chance to meet up with some friends….so we decided to book an overnight stay in one of our favourite corners of London–and tie it in with a … More Review: De Vere Venues, Devonport House, Greenwich, London, UK.
OK….what links Mozart, Schubert, Strauss…and Midge Ure? Answer: our next destination. Midge, as part of Ultravox, memorably sang about this beautiful city. The other three, along with Beethoven, lived there. Its rich, classical music heritage is, we’ve heard, just a part of what’s earned Vienna the unofficial title of Europe’s cultural capital. Add to that … More Midge and Mozart: musical notes for our wintry mini-break.
There is so much to see and do at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Here are the 2emptynesters tips for making the most of your visit. … More Angkor Wat – six simple tips for maximising your visit
There is so much to see and do at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Here are the 2emptynesters tips for making the most of your visit. … More Six simple tips for getting the most out of Angkor Wat
Vietnam was a new country for both of us. Oddly inspired by a Top Gear special back in 2008, where Jezza, May and Hamster rode motorbikes from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Halong Bay, we’ve attempted the journey in reverse .. by train … with a few extra bits thrown in. We’ve cruised in … More 10 things we’ve learnt about Vietnam
Someone was rapping on the locked door, barking orders at us like a prison guard. It was 5 a.m and our night train was pulling into Hanoi. Sleepy people were dragging themselves out of bunks, queuing for the toilet and a chance to brush teeth at the shared carriage sink. Last time we’d hit this … More Hanoi unscripted: how to fill 12 hours in a crazy city
We weren’t in Beijing long before it became clear that there are two strata of vehicles in Beijing – probably reflecting the two economies, capitalist and communist. The Mercs and the Beemers were there, but what fascinated me were the transportation of the masses. Here are a few pics:
The woman beamed at me. And slipped her arm around my waist to give me a quick squeeze. She’d stood back to let me off the boat to the former Emperors’ Summer Palace first, and I’d attempted a ‘thankyou’ in her language. She seemed not only astonished by my gesture, but by my appearance. In … More Putting up walls: a sweet and sour taste of China life
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