travel Archives - Page 14 of 20

I’ve just returned from a 3 day short break In Edinburgh, Scotland. Once again we managed to secure a bargain at Lastminute.com and paid £150 including flights and a 2 night stay in a 4 star hotel.

With only a short 1 hour flight from London, and only a 25 minute bus journey into central Edinburgh, it was the perfect location and a welcome escape from London’s concrete walls.

Cramond Island

Cramond island is nestled just a short 35 minute bus ride from central Edinburgh of just 15 minutes in a £10 Uber ride!

Its nestled off shore from the charming white village of Cramond, home to a small local pub, a gallery coffee shop and pretty much that’s the main tourist areas!

The Island itself is just a 20 minute scramble across the beach on a concrete walkway at low tide. The RNLI have recently released a free weekend text number so that you can find the best times to cross due to over 600 people being rescued over the last few years from stranded tourists so be warned! Please text CRAMOND to 81400.

We decided on a Uber taxi to beat the early morning tide and it was FREEZING so waterproof and fleeces are a must! Be prepared to take a battering from the icy winds blowing in across the sand.

History

It is believed this was a prehistoric site after burial stone cists were discovered but its later occupation as a world war 2 base has made its mark the most.

The cement pyramid structures on the causeway are actually to deter submarines and multiple gun fortresses dominate the headlands. Remains of the old barracks are nestled in the tangled undergrowth.

Don’t assume its a quick 15 minute circuit as its extremely deceptive when looking from the shoreline how big the Island actually is and I’d give yourself at least an hour to walk around it.

Don’t forget the river Almond walk just a few minutes from the cafe! Wild garlic seamlessly covers the steep banks whilst weirs and waterfalls surrounded by Bluebells add to its beautiful charm.

River Almond Walk

travel

The Worlds Top VOODOO Locations!

by Viking Wanderer

As an advocate for all things Witchy, Spooky, Haunted or New Age, I thought I’d randomly search for the best Voodoo locations around the world to visit!

The History

Voodoo originated from tribal religions in West Africa. During the 17th century, this area in particular was at risk from slave traders and many Africans were captured, forced into slavery and brought to locations throughout the Americas. Along with their culture, Voodoo was also brought to the mainstream and is still widely practised today. There is thought to be over 50 million Voodoo followers of this Religion which encompasses everything from healing to philosophy.

The Locations

1. Benin and Toga – West Africa

Believed to host the worlds largest voodoo market, table after table is heaped up to the brim with animal bones, tusks and horns ready to be ground up into potions. Powdered chameleon is sold to boost mental abilities among an abundance of stretched and dried animal furs. Local priests are all available to assist in everything from healing, love issues and life direction.

2. New Orleans

Also known as Louisiana Voodoo, there is even a museum and a tour dedicated to this religion. The core belief is the recognition of one God who does not interfere in people’s daily lives and spirits that preside over daily life. You’re more likely to find t-shirts, love potions and tarot readings and of course, the infamous voodoo dolls than animal bones and leopard heads!

3. Haiti

Voodoo is the official religion of Haiti and as is held with an enormous level of respect. The central aspect of voodoo is healing and it dominates around 60% of the religion. The fundamental view is that everything is spirit, even humans who inhabit the viable world. The famous carnival here is also dominated by influences of Voodoo.

travel

Bangladesh – The TOP of my hitlist!

by Viking Wanderer

I must admit, I was pretty ignorant when it came to Bangladesh situated in the Bay Of Bengal and is one of the worlds most populated countries.

Like most kids living in the UK in the 80’s, it made headlines due to the frequent monsoon flooding’s resulting in mass starvations. Thank god I educated myself and got in touch with a local tour group – (Tour Guide BD) who are front lining Bangladesh’s tourism scene at the moment and pushing ot to the forefront as the NEW go to destination. Iceland has to be knocked of the top at some point after all!

The Diversity

Over 700 rivers intertwine, hazily making their way to the Bay of Bengal through lush vegetation in multiple hues of green. Fields are consumed by thousands of vibrant yellow flowers. Thick mangrove forests offer little respite from the tropical heat and tigers haunt Sundarbans national parks.

A religious diversity of Christian, Buddhist, Hindi and Muslim, its no surprise that 2 of the UNESCO heritage sites also reside here in Parhapur and Bagerhat. Also home to a 15th century mosque.

Bangladesh, you’ve completely bowled me over. Sign me up please!