We love Monty Python. At the age of 12 we rolled on the floor, in hysterics, wondering what they would do next. Our Welsh father never got it, but we did.
Times changed and so did Python. They went their separate ways, almost all going on to further successes and fortunes.
Michael Palin, however, branched off to…
Activity
Life is long, and it's full of stuff. Sometimes we just can't get a break. Someone or something always has an eye on our wallet or our purse. You've got to be tough!
But, let us ease your mind and turn you on to a fabulous and free - yes truly - resource that will keep…
You can have it all, but sometimes Mother Nature stops you. Take Monaco, for example. In case you're unaware, Monaco is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometres west of the Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe, on the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most expensive and…
ACHIEVEMENT IS A CHOICE
We won't wax here on about working hard. That is a personal choice and who are we to say? It has its ups and downs. It's not for everyone. And there is no shame in simply being who you are, ambitious or not.
In China, though, there is an entire city of go-getters.…
If you're a regular reader here at Matouring, you'll know how much we love London. We lived there and explored nearly every nook and cranny of that most celebrated of cities. And every time we return, we find new gems to squeal about.
One activity that you may not think about when in The Smoke is…
Today's world is getting ever more intense . . . and tense. Between Covid-19, Mother Earth pushing back on our bad behaviour, just general bad behavior of the "ultra haves" versus the have-nots, and work and home pressures, the temptation to "lose it" is often dangling in front of our noses. But, some cultures look…
As we always say, there's no getting around getting around. Sometimes you want to, sometimes you have no choice. And, given the fragile state of Mother Earth at the time of this writing, we humans really need to think long and hard about where we go, when we go and why.
With that in mind, sometimes…
Creativity takes courage, that's for certain. It's one thing if you send your masterpiece to your friends and family, but it's another thing entirely if you bare yourself to the world. That being said, some of the best artists were laughed at in their early days, and now we spend millions to buy them and…
Sorry, we meant Roughlee. Near Nelson, Lancashire, UK a refuge built in 1912 for mill workers to meet in nature is still open to cyclists for tea and leftwing sympathy. You can clearly see Clarion House from high up on the ridge between Barrowford and Roughlee. Not only because it stands alone on a green…
Wales, UK, is a place near and dear to our hearts, here at Matouring. Often forgotten or misunderstood when compared to larger-than-life London, Manchester, Liverpool and Brighton as destinations, Wales offers a quieter side to the UK. Green, lush with mountains and valleys that are second to none, if you haven't been to Wales, put…
Many of us dream of trips to Africa (and some of us have been lucky to do so.) Big names like Kenya, Botswana and Zambia are always at the forefront of African journeys. But, Malawi as a destination is still standing somewhat in the shadows, waiting for a turn. Take a lakeside trip like none…
We don't know about you, but sometimes we pause and marvel at what amazing machines we are, we humans. How many automobiles or airplanes live past sixty years? How many of our fellow creatures on this earth drive those cars or fly those jets? Makes you think, doesn't it? And why do we live so…
Los Angeles is often painted as being a vain and vapid place. All looks and no substance. Bring your alibis. (We rather like the place.) But, to be honest, some of LA is, indeed hollow and in some places, shallow. Some of its buildings, in fact. And they hide an interesting and still relevant and…
Sydney is a hard act to follow, when it comes to being in the league of World's Best Cities. If you've been, you'll never forget it. If you haven't been, well what are you waiting for?
But, Sydney is not the only notable city in Oz. Meet Canberra – Purpose built as Australia’s capital city, Canberra…
In addition to its other many allures, Canada cannot escape the universal tagging of poutine. (In case you're not up to date, poutine is a sumptuous Canadian concoction made of french fries, gravy and cheese curds. It's addictive) Not that we Candians complain, but c'mon now, there is more to the country than just that.
For…
It never fails. Finally, we're able to travel again, but it doesn't always coincide with our bank balances. And, of course, the travel companies have sales galore, and yet we're still up the creek without a paddle. What to do? Well, like it or not, some travel companies feel our pain and look for ways…
France is a many-splendoured thing; the food, the wine, the scenery, the joie de vivre. No matter how many times you visit the country, you always find something new or unexpected.
And, anyone who loves winter sports knows that France has some of the best ski runs in the world. But, alas, things are changing
At the…
When you think of skiing, chances are probably good that Bansko doesn't come to mind first. And, now intrigued, you may even wonder what and where Bansko is.
Don't be hard on yourself, as Bansko is one of Europe's best kept secrets. If enjoying winter sports and saving money while doing so are on your list,…
Who can resist the allure of Brasil? So diverse, and rich in adventure. A legacy of history that goes back hundreds of years. And a people who love life and aren't afraid to show it.
When most people think of Brasil, they think of Rio, and rightly so. But, if you're not most people, you might…
In case you've not yet been (and you should!) Sintra is a town and municipality in the Greater Lisbon region of Portugal, located on the Portuguese Riviera. Known for its spectacularly coloured buildings, it also has a long history with the legendary Knights Templar.
One of the most fascinating features of Sintra is it's so-called Inverted…