Spring sunshine in Valencia

My suggestion for a spring break near Paris (Springtime in Paris) was greeted with sighs of indifference by my unappreciative offspring. Apparently Mickey and friends are sooo last year among the teenage and tweenie cognicenti of Bristol.

Undeterred I logged onto the Easyjet website to search for a cheap flight out of Bristol - preferrably to somewhere with warm weather, a beach for the children and a bit of culture for me. Valencia seemed to fit the bill on all counts.

The city has an interesting old quarter, a vibrant café life and a port that hosted the America’s cup last year. I can already feel the sunshine warming my cheeks and the smell of paella in the spring air. I liked the look of the futuristic complex of The City of Arts and Sciences, perhaps to wander round the L’Umbracle, the greenhouse full of tropical plants from all over the world.

Sadly we’d miss the Fallas carnival in March, where the the city indulges it’s pyromaniac tendancies, burning enormous papier-mache sculptures and setting off fireworks.

Searching for a hotel that wouldn’t break the budget for a family of five, I came across this amazing place, Rooms Deluxe. It’s the most upmarket of the three Hôme hostels and each of the 28 rooms has been designed by a different artist.

As my two boys like everything LOUD, I thought that this room might appeal - put your sunglasses on before entering. Designed by Danish artist Richard Sorenson it’s a reflection on explosions and chaos.

For my daughter, the manequins suspended from the ceiling of this room might appeal to her shopping tendancies. Designed by Madrein Spain it’s inspired by a tranquil swimming pool where there are no jelly fish or sea urchins to sting you.

For me something a little more elegant. This dark and passionate room by Argentinian born Exequiel Tiscornia, celebrates the mystery and rhythm of flamenco.

But if hubby and me were feeling a little naughty, we could always change to the sexy love-nest with the mirrored ceiling - take a look here.

If you’re thinking of visiting Valencia, the following websites will help your planning.
- For a good overview of Valencia try ValenciaValencia or About Valencia
- For a more alternative look at the city try This is Valencia or Valencia tourist guide

If you fancy a little on-line travel reading to get you in the mood, take a look at the following travel articles;
Up for the cup - Guardian 21 April 2007
The A-Z of alternative breaks - Guardian 17 February 2007
C’mon baby, light my fallas - Guardian 10 March 2003
Weekend to Remember - Telegraph October 2004
Weekending: Valencia - Telegraph 12 February 2003
Spain’s perfect Paella - Sunday Times 19 August 2007
Valencia, you must go - Sunday Times 15 June 2007

Thanks to arieldiaco and viajar for the use of their photos on Flickr.com under creative commons.

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An introduction to Bristol

I started this blog to escape the grey days of winter, but as the sun’s been shining here in Bristol, I’ve started to get a warmer feeling about my home town.

There are so many funky, secret and facinating things about this city and I’ve decided I really ought to get out more and explore. I’m planning to write a few posts that will give you a glimpse of the places you wouldn’t find on your own.

But first let me introduce you to Bristol:

She’s a fine old city with a proud maritime heritage and a some dark connections with the slave trade. She can be just as chocolate box pretty as her near neighbour, Bath, but scratch below the surface and you’ll find a dynamic and slightly subversive street culture. She’s a university town and has always welcomed visitors from far and wide. Her harbour-side’s been given a face-lift and her city centre’s buzzing but climb one of her many hills and you’ll glimpse the green fields and countryside on her doorstep. Bristol’s put on her best dress and now she’s waiting for you to pay her a call.

If you’d like to visit Bristol, the official visitor’s website will fill you in on some of the great things to do here

The Clifton supension bridge, is Bristol’s most famous landmark and was build by Isambard Kingdom Brunel to span the Avon Gorge. It was opened in 1864 and up to 12,000 cars still cross it every day.

The SS Great Britain, built in 1843, was the world’s first ocean-going, propeller driven iron ship. After seeing service as a luxury liner, she was abandoned in the Falklands Islands then brought back to Bristol in the 70s where she was restored to her former glory.

Hundreds of balloons will drift over the city during the Bristol International Balloon fiesta in August - it’s Europe’s largest hot air balloon festival.

Take a ferry round the harbourside where the harbour festival takes place every August, cool off in the fountains in Millenium square and treat the family to some hands on science at @Bristol.

In Clifton, take a look at the fine Georgian buildings and designer boutiques in the village, stroll up the observatory for a view of the Avon gorge and suspension bridge or introduce yourself to the penguins at Bristol Zoo gardens.

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Many thanks to the following for the use of their photos under creative commons on Flickr.com;
Introduction
Synwell Liberation front, pshab, Synwell Liberation Front
Clifton suspension bridge
Synwell Liberation front, Macspite, Joe Dunckley
SS Great Brittain
dizz
Balloon fiesta
Caro’s lines, Bloomin’ Orchid, Addictive Picasso
Harbourside
Joe Dunckley, Matthew Sylvester, PixelFixer
Clifton
Will Steel, Mosmi, Synwell Liberation Front

Wood-carvings at Anse Chastenet in St Lucia

My parents have just returned from the Caribbean resort of Anse Chastenet on St Lucia - in a previous post I wrote about some of the artists that are on display in the hotel. They took these photos of sculptures in the hotel by the resident sculptor, Lawrence Deligny, which I just had to share with you. Take a look at more of his work on the Anse Chastenet website.

I adore those swan like lovers - it’s entitled ‘The Kiss’. This place has to be my dream destination for a second honeymoon.

And here are a few more pictures in case you need any more tempting to visit this beautiful island - I certainly don’t.

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