REFLECTIONS OF TWENTY TWENTY THREE

We were lucky enough to indulge ourselves in several countries last year; here is a brief overview of the destinations and our personal highlights in each!!

Cape Verde

Of the nine islands that this African nation is spread across, we stayed for six nights on Sal. Cape Verde is ideal if you are looking for sun, sandy beaches, water sports, cocktails and dancing. We had a very relaxing break that was strengthened by the islanders 'No stress' ethos; everything performed with a smile and nothing being too much effort. Seafood, rum and the traditional island dance 'funana’ are all staples of the lifestyle here. 

The funaná dance is aptly named and the highly-skilled performers even had us up on the dancefloor with them! For more music, we found ourselves in Buddy's bar partying the night away on another memorable evening!

Vienna

In April we spent four days and three nights immersed in art, orchestra, food and architecture. With museums and palaces aplenty, most of which are built in the classic baroque style, there is no shortage of magnificent heritage to satisfy the appetite of those seeking high brow culture.

Highlights for us were Gustav Glimt’s ‘Kiss’ painting in The Belverdere Museum, a classical music concert in the magnificently ornate St Peter’s Church and hot chocolate and sachertorte in Conditorei Sluka whilst watching the world go by.

Ljubljana

In the summer we had the pleasure of acquainting ourselves with this Balkan gem of a city that feels more like a town you would find in a fairytale. With the emphasis firmly on pedestrianisation, Ljubljana has a medieval vibe combined with a European cafe culture situated along both banks of the Ljubljanica River. The easy going atmosphere is further enhanced by the fact that everything is walkable and prices are comparatively low. For those hankering nature at its finest, a one hour bus ride to Lake Bled will hit the spot. Surrounded by the Julian Alp Mountains and forest, Bled is one of the most scenic environments you could wish to visit, with its famous island and church not much more than a dot amongst the vast expanse of water. There is also a castle to add to the picturesque appeal.

Aside from the beauty of Lake Bled and balmy evening strolls along the river crossing its profusion of bridges, we loved Ljubljana Castle (slap bang in the middle of the city) and the incredible views it allowed us from the towers and ramparts.

Cork

Ireland's second city has always offered us the most warm of welcomes, and we continued our now annual tradition of arriving in late October, in time for the world-famous Cork City Jazz Festival. It seems that every pub, bar, restaurant and business open for any other type of trading is part of this, as the whole city embraces not only jazz, but bands, solo artists and most forms of music on the 'trail'. The party lasts from Thursday until the Bank Holiday Monday and is buzzing with Corkonians joined by revellers from the world over in high spirits, dancing and laughter galore.

We will be back later this year for sure!! 

Lisbon

Our final overseas jaunt of the year took us to Portugal's charming capital city for the New Year's celebrations! We've been here a few times but the spectacular displays all over the city, from the free of charge fireworks and concert in Commercial Square to Winter Wonderland in Parque Eduardo, really did bolster our experience. Aside from 'Ano Novo' extravaganza, there's so much more to marvel in as well. Trams are widespread but the number twenty eight ride is especially idyllic, taking in the old town of Alfama with its seemingly endless warren of bending, cobblestoned streets. Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills and although these hills test the endurance if walked on their ascent (this can be negated on the tram journey), they do afford the most beautiful vistas across rooftops and on to the River Tagus once you break through into an opening. There are numerous little squares which offer wanderers an opportunity to refuel in the ubiquitous tavernas and coffee shops.

Other highlights for us were the Elevador that presented more stunning views from an elevated perspective, and a crisp New Year’s Day walk along the Tagus' estuary to the sixteenth century Belem Tower. For food, Time Out Market located in the Mercada de Ribeira, is a huge food court serving typically Portuguese cuisine and street food as well as international fare to accommodate all preferences with high quality at reasonable prices. 

In addition to this, a ride in a tuk-tuk with all of the harmless chaos that these bring made us laugh relentlessly, and the unbeknown to us annual New Year’s Eve Lisbon marathon that seemingly had half of the population competing, was quite the spectacle at night, and also caused one a hell of diversion back to our hotel!

Lisbon is undoubtedly one of our favourite European destinations!