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Outdoors

Outdoors

The Mercadona mystery

If you've been to Spain (and if you haven't, get going!) you'll likely recognise the name Mercadona.  It is one of the country's largest grocery chains. As you probably know, many companies (like us, for example) assemble their names by concatenating one or more words together into something recognisable, but not a "real" word. Some have wondered…

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Weave got the beat

This might be an odd question, but what do neurons prefer?  They do react to sounds, you know.  And sometimes they gravitate to certain kinds of stimuli. Some even respond to music, like we humans. Why are we talking about this?  Because these are questions that informed neuroscience specialists.  These scientists capture the "spikes" that…

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Do I have clearance to ask you out on a date?

WARNING - look away now if you are allergic to bad naughty humour. "After being deprived of two of my favorite activities — travel and sex — over the past year, one thing I’m looking forward to as both become more feasible is that inexplicable wave of horniness that reliably overcomes me when I’m on…

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You’re worth it, and you know it

Who hasn't - at least once - dreamt of basking in the sun in Saint-Tropez?  Since the 50's, it has always represented the universal ideal in luxury, culture and aspirations. Well, for those in the mood and in the position to do so, you'll be thrilled that the Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière will…

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Your waiter will now carry you to your room

To be sure, this article is not suggesting that you drink yourself into unconsciousness.   Nor is it proposing that you rely on someone else to save you, if you do:  that's  your problem, Jack. No, instead, we're telling you about a fabulous place to stay, where you have genuinely scrumptious food and drink, personable servers…

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The second most romantic hotel in the world

Second best is not usually where we see ourselves appearing.  We're winners, are we not, even in a small way?  We've got moxie!  Nothing's gonna keep us down.  Chin up.  Pip pip.  So here's a story that will bring a smile to your face. A small hotel in Guadalest has been voted the second most romantic…

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Gala Malaga

Nearly 3,000 years old, Málaga, Spain, on the banks of the Mediterranean, offers an intriguing mix of the ancient and modern. Images of Phonecians in long tunics and mantles trading goods at the port have given way to happy locals in brightly colored sundresses and espadrilles. The Phoenicians named it Malaka (meaning salt), but the city is…

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Sleepless in Seattle

The Pacific Northwest in the United States is rather beautiful, especially if you don't have a problem with rain.  It rains a lot here.  Spring, summer and parts of autumn are lovely, as well, but rain is a defining term for this part of the world. And, as we know, rain fills the land and…

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Get away from it all – literally

When people say "get away from it all", that often means driving to the local Holiday Inn.  That is fine, of course, but where can you really go with that phrase? We have a suggestion for you -  a gasp-worthy one.  The Mashpi Lodge in Equador.  Deep in the forest, this sumptuous complex will bring…

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King of the road

We are writing this post when - it appears - the the Covid-19 pandemic is starting to abate, and that many of us can, once more, open our doors, step outside and begin to enjoy life again. And what can be more life-affirming than getting out into nature, and breathing in the air?  That is…

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Take you on a slow boat to Stratford

All apologies to Ella Fitzgerald. England is surrounded by water.  And, as you might imagine, there are rivers and streams that course through the country. Some are tiny and some are navigable. Even better, some are big enough to accommodate boats.  And even better than that, some of these boats have beds and kitchens and…

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São Paulo, let’s go!

Brazil has an undeniable allure for most people:  it almost seems electric.  But, it is also a vast and highly populated country, which can give some people cause when they think about traveling.  But, it doesn't have to be, as this guide from our affiliate friends, Casai, will show you.  We start with São Paulo. For…

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Dome at last

Some choose to follow their own path.  When you're a retired businessman, what do you do to keep busy?  Fish?  Paint?  Travel?  Build a house consisting of six dome-shaped modules on stilts in Florida, and then never move in? The Cape Romano Dome House - now abandoned - is a house consisting of six dome-shaped…

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Fond Doux Eco Coco

As if you need any encouragement to visit the glorious island of St Lucia, we have further tasty reasons might you might want to stay at a certain place -  Fond Doux Eco Resort.  The reason?  Chocolate. Located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Soufriere Saint Lucia on a historic 19th-century working cocoa estate,…

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Hi, Casai!

Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and memorable locations in Mexico is in Quintana Roo.  There you will find, Tulum, Cancun, Cozumel and so many other unforgettable places. And we welcome our new affiliate friends, Casai, who offer spectacular rentals there and all over Mexico. Casai is a hospitality concept designed for the…

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A’ glamping we will go

May we introduce to you our new travel affiliate friends Vacanceselect.  Based in Geneva Switzerland, they have been providing luxurious and exceptional European camping experiences for over 35 years. Families, of course, are provided for, but they also have exquisite villas for couples and groups.  There’s nothing like the feeling of booking your next vacation,…

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Travel in a Spaceship

It must rank as one of everyone's dreams - to travel in a spaceship.  As we write this post, more and more possible future options for spaceship travel appear everyday. But how would you like to travel in a Spaceship right now?  Well, you can by getting in touch with our affiliate friends Spaceship Rentals.…

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Binge at the Fringe

In case you've been hiding in a cave for several decades, here is a reminder about the always-hilarious and never predictable annual Edinburgh Fringe festival in Scotland. The founding principle at the heart of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is to be an open access festival that accommodates anyone with a desire to perform and a…

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