Photo Story: The Big Smoke, On The Water

Once charged with the all important job of supplying the HP factory with saucy spices, London’s canals now offer residents (and visitors) a delightful change of pace. Words and photos by Magda Wrzeszcz.

The idea of Regent’s Canal came to life in 1802, to create a link between the newly-opened Grand Junction Canal, which ended at Paddington Basin, and the River Thames in Limehouse. That’s a pretty good opportunity for a long walk, unfortunately spoiled by three tunnels – under Maida Hill (now known as Little Venice), Lisson Grove and under Islington. The canal’s main purpose used to be ferrying commercial traffic, and goods shipped via the canal ranged from lead and iron to the raw ingredients used to make Britain’s iconic HP sauce.

I first fell in love with the Canal while living just next to the Whitmore Road Bridge (number 43), just next to the Kingsland Road Bridge and Basin. Living in the heart of the hip and trendy Shoreditch often required a moment of calm and that’s exactly what the canal was giving me: an opportunity to walk under the sun, with my headphones on, and sink into my own thoughts. I’d often pass cyclist – as the canal became a very good alternative to commuters after the London bombings in 2005 – joggers, dog walkers, 24 party people, couples snogging on the benches… A great people spotting place. I soon discovered that from where I was living, I could easily stroll down to my favourite Broadway Market, to get a bit of the East End hype, shop for bargains in Miki Fukai’s jumble sales, drink cheap beer in London Fields and run into Facehunter. But if I went the other way, I would get to my beloved Angel with all the tiny boutiques, great pubs on Essex Road and my favourite charity shops (highly recommended in this area – wealthy residents!).

What I love about the canal is the feeling of freedom from the rest of the world. The water instantly makes you calm down and look into yourself – I had some life-changing conversations with my mum while walking there. It seems like along the canal people stop pretending – like the elderly couple on the bench. London’s canals give you the freedom of expressing yourself – an opportunity often taken by Banksy. But the most free and inspiring are all the people actually living on the boats – you get to see many of barges moored in the basins with their residents sunbathing on the docks. When you’re lucky, you get to see the boats go through the lock – the most famous is the Camden Lock. It’s simply addictive to watch the water levels even to let them go through.

Taking a walk along the canal is like taking a walk on the wild side – so often needed in a city ruled by the routine of the daily commute, grey city suits and the never-ending rat race…

For the real canalcoholic a couple of hours at the Canal Museum is highly recommended (follow them on Twitter), whilst Jasons and Walkers Quay offer barge trips on the water if you can’t resist a cruise.

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Photo Story: The Rynek at Dawn

Krakow’s market square, or ‘Rynek’ in Polish, is the heart of the city. The largest medieval square in Europe, by day the Rynek is alive with flower-sellers, bustling cafes, map-wielding tourists, cycling students and simply people passing through. Open any guidebook or brochure to Krakow and you’re sure to be treated to dreamy views of the square, its buildings bathed in Photoshop-enhanced sunlight, its cobble stones graced with the smiling faces of children chasing pigeons or happy couples quaffing coffee. On Sunday at dawn some of the beautiful facade has cracked, as the stains of the city’s boisterous night remain visible. However this ‘ugly’ side to the Rynek still maintains a shadowy charm, as Keven Erickson and Krystyna Dul discover when they get up early with their cameras…

“We discovered all sorts of happenings, from disorientated drunken clubbers trying to get home to bored security guards that have spent the whole night there on duty. What was interesting though was the discovery of all sorts of traces of things that have happened during the night. Some we managed to photograph before the cleaning crews got rid of them. It was as if we were just there at the transitional phase of two different periods of time, when the night has ended and people go home, the day is beginning and other people are coming to work…”

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Tagged: Krakow · Poland

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Photo Story: Paris in Autumn

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Tagged: autumn · Paris

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The hen and Stag Parties in Dublin tips

With your day wedding just around the corner and a hen or stag party to organize, look no further; Dublin is the place for every bride or married. Take a break well deserved all these preparations of marriage, kick back, let your hair down and advantage in this exciting and vibrant city.

Here are some suggestions for activities ideal for stag and hen parties in Dublin.

Karting city Limited - Centre de Karting Go outdoors...

Experience of thrill and excitement of Dublin and Ireland's most popular tracks race in Santry, only a short distance from Dublin Airport and easily accessible by public transport from Dublin city centre.It is a fantastic entertainment centre and operates from 10 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week! catering for all age groups Kart city has a professional track disponible.Vous can also benefit from Paintballing take on battlefields in camouflage, gear glasses and armed with paintballs you can target your friends and opponents. It is a great activity center and ideal for stag and hen parties.

Dublin City Hop on hop off Bus Tour...

This is really the best way to detect all the sights and tourist attractions in Dublin. This Richard Decker bus boarding is double superior open and take in some tourist Dublin Core of Dublin Castle, old Jameson Distillery, Phoenix Park where you will find Dublin Zoo and many more and of course the group where you can sample some Guinness tips black!Tickets are valid all day, you can obtain and out as often as you want.This tour is recommended and is an excellent way to familiarize themselves with the city and it of many attractions.

Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium...

Gone dogs! experience thrill and excitement of greyhound racing at Shelbourne Park .it's really is a place with a difference, offering luxurious standards with an exciting atmosphere and offers great food and drink.Catering for all birthdays, anniversaries, family occasions, hen & stag parties and social functions of every description.

Fingal sailing and windsurfing School...

Battle of vague violent and explode in Dublin sailing Fingal sky and just 5 minutes from the beautiful seaside village voile.Situé Snowboard School of Malahide and easily accessible by public transport from the city of Dublin which you can participate in board sailing, canoeing, sailing and navigation of experienced and qualified instructors and first class facilities plaisance.Avec power you are guaranteed a great day.

Need a place where to sleep in Dublin?

Please note that step of Dublin hotels accept hen parties and stag.donc saves time and constraints, and check out our list of hotels that accept hens and Red mating season.

Here is a list of hotels in and around the area of Dublin City o ' Connell Street:

Hotel Belvedere, Hotel Best Western Academy
Comfort Inn Granby Row Hotel Château,
Hotel door, the Hotel de l'Abbaye, Jurys Inn Parnell Street and Waltons hotel.

Hotels close to Temple Bar Dublin City:

Hotel Harding, the Court Leeson hotel, Camden Deluxe hotel, hotel rue de Kildare and the Comfort Inn Smithfield hotel.

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Visit to Dublin - hotels near Green of Saint Stephen

One of the major sites of Dublin is St. Stephen's Green. If you plan to visit St. Stephen Green, you can stay in one of Dublin hotels nearby.

St. Stephen Green is an acre of 27 beautiful park located in the heart of Dublin. The Park offers a great source of inspiration to sit and meditate or stroll the grounds.Was once home to the brutality, today it is a beautiful area for tourists and residents similaires.Visiteurs blind Park will enjoy scented gardens, where they can smell flowers, and learn their names in braille.

You can feed the ducks, or simply wander around in the sights of beautiful flowers, statues and fountains. Situated close to St. Stephen Green Shopping Centre, the Park is the ideal place to take a break visits or purchases

If you want to stay in one of Dublin hotels in the area, you can consider to stay at the Fitzwilliam Hotel, a hotel located in Dublin city centre. This 5-star hotel offers a haven for discriminating travellers.Only richly appointed from amongst the dimmer switches in the room of bath, fluffy towels and robes and .you anti-mist mirrors developments will also enjoy Internet access, TV and the full range of facilities you expect from a luxury hotel. Get pampered with a massage or facial care soothing or engage in nail bar. Whatever you want, you can find at the Fitzwilliam Hotel.

The Mercer hotel is another popular choice of Dublin hotels for tourists in the region.Located near of St. Stephen Green in the heart of Dublin, this hotel offers easy access to many tourist premium Dublin attractions.Amenities include beds DVD and CD players, TV and rooms luxurious bathroom and wireless Internet access throughout the hotel .If you are here for business, you will enjoy generous workspaces, a direct dial telephone, and fax and modem connections.

St. Stephen Green is much more than a park; it is a historic site of Voici.Si you grounds tour, or rest after a journey of shopping, you will find relaxing Park passionnant.La only beauty is breathtaking and since it is so close to many other privileged Dublin tourist attractions, you will have no difficulty to see most popular attractions in one day.

Whatever the among Dublin hotels you choose to stay during your visit to the fascinating Dublin City, you will be welcomed with hospitality chaleureuse.Dublin has some of the finest hotels in the world, and you have where to call your home away from home while you are visiting here of your choice.

Here are some more Dublin hotels that are available.

New Dublin: cool tour, heat stay

As Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and WB Yeats, all do have in common? Apart from the obvious, this library of literary talent and nobility welcomed from at one place. Dublin.

Dublin is the largest city and capital of the Republic of Ireland.Historically, the Emerald Island was a huge drawcard for visitors from States, exploring their Irish family heritage and the Mac, the Flynns Murphys .the ancestry, are always most welcome, but there are plenty of news in the city.
Thanks to the economic upsurge in the last decade, Dublin has become one of the destinations most cool for shop, sightsee and wander. No longer the land of beer, its designers, names and potatoes strip world-class and emblematic style have place.

Today, young visitors flock from all over Europe, who want to explore this great city, its arts and culture vivante.Dublin among younger people in one of the great cities of Europe, has also done iAnywhere.Connector his energy and buzz. Shops in fashion, ethnic cuisines, and lively street markets have contributed to its trend newfound status.

Places to sleep?

Dublin is distributed in the Valley of the River Liffey, with the Wicklow hills it hiding in the city Sud.La is an architectural delight with a rich heritage of the 18th century buildings. Beautiful homes Georgian and terrace, houses many of them with historical association, lend a spacious elegant air to squares and city boulevards.

Accommodation-Wise, you find a lot of choice in Dublin.There are hotels of international luxury, medium-sized motels and lots of small establishments, price based on your travel budget.

Where's the craic?

You will hear the word "craic" much.(No, it is completely legal.) Craic is the Gaelic word of pleasure and fun, especially when there is a song, a pint of Guinness and a live impliqués.Musique pub is also huge function nightlife in Dublin - Street busking public concerts and traditional music in "the singing pubs".With more than 900 ads dotted around the city, you'll never go thirsty or be far from being a great "craic." (It is said that "God created the alcohol to prevent the support of the Earth the Irish"!)

Temple Bar

Temple Bar is at the heart of the shopping, dining and entertainment hub ville.Le. At night, it is filled with crowds with the hottest spots and sounds, dotted across the narrow, cobbled streets between the Bank of Ireland and Christ Church in Dublin Cathedral. The top of the list for a great evening that can easily last overnight, ending with carpet and an Irish breakfast.

Unique European children arts centre. The Arkansas.

If you are travelling with children, Temple Bar is also at the Ark, centre cultural unique.Il made headlines as custom raw arts Europe centre for 3-14 years and are a pole of attraction for visitors from the opening in September 1995.Chaque year, approximately 20,000 children and 5,000 adults take out time to participate in programs. Exciting, engaging, exciting - The Ark is the place that elicits young minds with a significant experience of the Irish arts.

Browse through the past.

Turbulent past Dublin can be greatly appreciated to pied.Il has some castles and museums, houses large and stately buildings.Although there are many walking type commercial towers, but why not schedule a yourself .Retracer steps of the flamboyant Oscar Wilde or James Joyce, visit their homes, their circuits blocking and, of course, where they enjoyed a drink.

On a historical note, why not discover the streets and monuments where the1916 rebellion took place.The Easter uprising was an attempt to gain independence from Great Britain by the strength of the armes.Il Irish Republican activists helped create the foundation of Ireland early in the 20th century State.In many ways, past Dublin is very accessible, even if you are on a short visit.

The book of Kells in Trinity College

College celebrates Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I.Former alumni include Oliver Goldsmith playwrights and Samuel Beckett.Trinity lawn lush and quadruple paving provide a haven of peace in the heart of this city dynamique.prendre time for a visit, especially to see the book of Kells spectacular, housed in the old library.The book of Kells is an ornately illustrated, produced by Celtic monks around 800 AD manuscript.It is one of the most richly illuminated manuscripts to survive since the middle ages and is regarded as the zenith of Western calligraphy and illumination.

Applause.The Guinness ® group

A trip to Dublin is not complete without a visit to the Guinness.Ici ® group, you can discover every drop of information about the most famous dark beer of the planet.Initially, the Group was built in 1904 to accommodate fermentation.En process in November 2000, a spectacular new addition has opened its doors.

At the heart of the new construction group is modelled on a glass of enormous Pinte, extending up to reception on the ground floor bar severity in the ciel.Si filled, this huge space approximately would Yes, 14.3 million pints you guessed, Guinness.

Memories? back to shopping

Dublin has to offer some wonderful therapy retail and window shopping software.on the Southside of the city, Grafton Street, between St. Stephen's Green and Trinity College is the smart shopping district with shops to the mode and designers shops featuring local names and the born internationaux.Sur, rue Henry has several stores and boutiques populaires.Sur Moore Street, you will find food market known outdoors, a place that is always a good visit.

In General, shops are open from 9: 00 and 18 h Monday - samedi.Nuit shopping in the city is Thursday until 8 p.m., while suburban shopping malls usually open end vendredi.Plus large chains of shops now open on Sunday from noon to noon to 6 pm.

Ireland has a reputation well earned as a welcoming country, a place which is too generous to hospitality with its national drink! I leave the last word in Ireland and this saying. ""."Can live you as long you want and never want to as long as you live."A visit to the new Dublin is something you want to do more than one fois.Pour be sure.

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Travel to Dublin Ireland - car hire and package travel discount Ireland vacation offers

While these things to do in Dublin will vary depending on your needs and personal tastes, all these attractions of Dublin have entertained and educate travellers and the Irish natives for many years. While Ireland bus tours are a popular way to see the Irish countryside and visit the castles Irish and chalets, but undoubtedly the most popular thing to do in Dublin is to take the tour to walk from Dublin City Centre and to get an overview very rich history of Ireland. It is extremely interesting and good value and a good basis for understanding culture in Ireland.

Many of these suggestions is determined by weather conditions in Ireland, understand what time of year, traveling and verify the WeatherChannel before your departure.Great travel offers and Ireland airfare offerings exist, especially if you're flexible with your plans of vacances.Bien one thing, you can rain or shine is a pub night enjoy Irish song and dance and then visit world famous Merry Ploughboy Irish Music Pub and enjoy a great night Irish entertainment as made by the owners of the bar, which is be the tape.

You are looking for something a little different in Dublin. On top of towers is known for display in Dublin in a different light.If you want to explore Dublin perspective unique.De many travellers to Ireland tend to participate in singing and dancing when they benefited from some Guinness, so if it seems more your speed in house check out Irish. You will learn of Irish music and having performed if you are brave.

You might want to sit down in a coach luxury or car hire Ireland and a tour of the day Wicklow.Le Sally Gap, Glendalough, the meeting of The Waters, Avoca and Glencree Wicklow mountains. A beautiful trip in the Irish countryside by giving you an overview of life in the region. Church of St. Michan was the highlight of many visitors to Dublin and a less known treasure of the city.

What a tower of rural pub.Visit the many pubs of traditional country on a tour of nature, I hope that you remember, people tell me this is something cool to just Dublin.Une night of magic and mystery is available in the secret of the Magic Castle a great evening at least.And don't forget a round of golf in Ireland.

Plan ahead and make sure that you get a Dublin Airport Hotel the night before your flight to Ireland u.s., because most of these flights leave very early morning and require you to be nearby.Enjoy your holiday in Ireland and enjoy the milking of many trips in Ireland are now available.

If you need a car rental in Ireland please bear in mind that they drive on the other side of the road in Ireland, and if you are familiar with the conduct of the other side of the road can take some getting used à.Aussi not drinking and driving laws in Ireland, have become very difficult in recent years and DUI barriers are a common site anywhere in Ireland.

While in Ireland, you can try one of the four star hotels in Dublin and enjoy all the amenities that money can buy.Some of the most popular and highly rated hotels are the Hampton hotel and the hotel Marion .d ' other highly rated Dublin hotels include the Westbury hotel and number 31.Essayez one of Dublin's favorite restaurants and you will will be disappointed, Pearl Brasserie, Queen of tarts and the pig ear all let you taste food in Ireland and Ireland.Travel to Ireland has never been more affordable and opportunities abound for travellers to Ireland.

Dedicated to find the best deals and discounts .Forfaits Ireland Ireland travel deals .Vacances bed and breakfast Ireland golf vacations Ireland hotel.
Craig Compton
Descendant operator owner and irlandais.Vous travel to Ireland for vacation is a hobby of mine, and sharing information is just plain fun.

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