text:
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3D/2D Christmas Craft, Art & Design Fair 2015
Shine! Edinburgh Christmas Tree Festival
Edinburgh drive-in movie spectacular
Infographic produced using Easel.ly (www.easel.ly)
3D/2D Christmas Craft, Art & Design Fair 2015
Shine! Edinburgh Christmas Tree Festival
Edinburgh drive-in movie spectacular
Infographic produced using Easel.ly (www.easel.ly)
Luna Cinema at the Royal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh Riding of the Marches
Infographic produced using Easel.ly (www.easel.ly)
Who? A host of magicians, some friendly staff, and punters (including me; and how about you?).
What? Edinburgh International Magic Festival, which brings performers and audiences together to explore the art of amazement and astonishment.
When? Until this Saturday, fourth July.
Where? Various venues; primarily Summerhall, made over as Magic Village.
The obligatory why? Because magic!
Last weekend, I attended the Opening Night Party of Edinburgh International Magic Festival as a guest blogger. This was a well-devised event offering a preview of the magicians who stage full-fledged shows over the duration of the wider festival.
Arriving at Summerhall, a mainstay of Edinburgh's arts scene, you'll find the venue enchantingly decorated as the festival's Magic Village. Summerhall's school conception is apparent as you navigate its stairs and corridors, but the affable festival staff are always on hand to point you in the direction of a show and to manage the queues.
The venue's courtyard is the locus at which to relax between shows, as well as indulge in some La Favorita pizza or Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The courtyard also has an interactive installation, "Sweet Dreams", a flower bed which changes colour as you circle it. Additionally, Tam Shepherd's Magic Shop offers tools of the trade to those inspired to practice magic themselves.
The Opening Night Party's shows were diverse in style, but all the magicians had a comedic touch and were adept at establishing camaraderie with their audiences. Ali Cook set an impressive precedent in "The Art of Astonishment", making his assistants vanish and reappear in the blink of an eye before seemingly impaling one with flaming rods, only to have her emerge from entrapment unharmed, and with company to boot.
Dr Houstoun's "Conjuring" was a more understated affair, but no less impressive for that. Houstoun brought Summerhall back to its academic roots when he interspersed lecturing on his Victorian heroes, the forefathers of modern magic, with the spellbinding multiplication and disappearance of coins, demonstrating why he's Magic Circle's current Close-up Magician of the Year.
Colin Cloud's "Kills" was much more congenial than the title suggests (although he did say his preview wasn't representative of his full shows, so don't hold me to that). It was the most interactive performance of the evening (involving the entire audience at times) in which Cloud displayed feats of interpretation to deduce the characteristics of selected guests. I must admit that I'm a skeptic and remain one still, although Cloud's wit and engaging personality kept me entertained throughout.
Mark Elsdon adopted a uniquely intimate format for his show, dubbed "10", in which he performs 10 tricks for an audience of 10 in 10 minutes, saying only 10 words per trick. It augments the power of close-up magic, and his was another display of prestidigitation, involving coins, elastic bands, and a spoon which became a fork in his mouth. For his finale, Elsdon requested a ten-pound note from our group. He proceeded to sign and puncture it through the middle with a pen, to the dismay of its owner. But Elsdon fulfilled his mantra, 'astonishment is real', when he drew the pen right through the note…leaving it intact.
Luke Eaton's "The Late Night Horror Magic Show" was another which didn't quite tally with its title; if like me you'd expect blood and gore, you will be surprised (or relieved) that the premise was for Eaton to have a nail hammered up his nose courtesy of an audience member (he admitted a tendency to target attractive young women, so the squeamish among you had better duck). Eaton described his show's appeal as akin to picking a scab; repellent and yet satisfying. If you like watching people victimize themselves, then this will be right up your alley, and if not, then you can revel in schadenfreude at the poor person who has to force that intimidating length of nail up his nostril.
There were several shows I didn't manage to see at the party, but before leaving, I also got a glimpse of Trendy Wendy's DJ set, sensibly positioned in the upstairs Dissection Room so as not to disrupt the sedate (though by no means sensible) proceedings below.
The Opening Night Party got the festival off to a promising start and if you're interested in seeing some live magic, check EIMF's website for the full package from some of the skilled illusionists mentioned above.
Thanks for reading!
Calum : )
Imaginate Festival 2015 (Monday 11th – Sunday 17th)
Now in its 26th year, Scotland's annual international festival of performing arts for children and young people is again to be held in venues throughout Edinburgh.
A free Imaginate Festival Family Fringe is billed to take place during the festival's closing weekend, featuring arts and crafts in addition to shows and performances. The full festival programme, comprising 14 shows, can be found here, and you can also download the festival brochure. Bookings can be made with the Traverse Theatre, with individual tickets costing £12 (£8 concessionary rate) and only available in person (10 Cambridge Street) or over the telephone (0131 228 1404). Family tickets are in increments of £8 per family member, with a minimum number of children to qualify.
Summerhall's Beer FestivALE! (Friday 15th and Saturday 16th)
Hosted in the emblematic Summerhall venue, this beer and spirit festival returns for its spring iteration, offering stalls, street food, music, brewery and distillery tours (during the daytime sessions), and DJs (during the night-time sessions). Tickets cost £8 per session, and also include drinks tokens to the value of £4.
Festival of Museums (Friday 15th – Sunday 17th)
This festival comprises a wide range of activities for all audiences from museums and galleries across the country. Ticket prices and booking procedures vary by venue; listings are updated daily, and those for Edinburgh and the Lothians can be found here.
Yotties' Week at The Royal Yacht Britannia (Monday 18th – Thursday 21st) [pictured]
Between 18th to 21st May, Britannia will welcome back some former Royal Yachtsmen ('Yotties') to share their stories. The yachtsmen will don their historic uniforms and regale visitors with their accounts of what life was like for the 240-strong crew who manned the royal residence while it was in service. Adult tickets cost £14 (with a concessionary rate of £12.50 available to students and over-60's) plus a £1 booking fee, and can be purchased here.
Edinburgh International Tango Festival (Friday 22nd – Monday 25th)
The highlight of this not-for-profit event, run by the Edinburgh Tango Society, is its Summer Ball, boasting live music from the up-and-coming Sexteto Visceral young orchestra. A series of afternoon matinées, evening shows and milongas (an Argentinian ballroom dance, predecessor to the tango), dancing workshops (beginner to expert), and DJ sets will run over the course of the weekend.
Tickets range from £4 per day for the Tango Café to £25 for the Summer Ball, while a range of discounted packages are available for multiple ticket purchases until Friday 8th May. Bookings can be made using the booking form or by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com.
Hidden Door (Friday 22nd – Saturday 30th)
Hidden Door is a volunteer-run not for profit arts festival, this year comprising nine days of music, visual art, cinema, and theatre between its Secret Courtyard on Kings Stables Road and Edinburgh's Bongo Club. Some of its arts programmes are now up on the website, as are details of the launch party (entry only £3) and opening night line-up.
Entry price varies by date, with tickets generally costing upwards of £10, including a small service fee. Tickets for just the Secret Courtyard, or for the Secret Courtyard and the Bongo Club, can be purchased here, while those for only the Bongo Club must be purchased from their website.
The Edinburgh Whisky Stramash (Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th)
This event will procure over 200 whiskies from around the world for visitors to sample, as well as a series of whisky-related experiences to partake in. All samplings and experiences are included in the ticket price, while food and souvenirs will be available to purchase separately. Tickets for each weekend slot cost around £30, while an additional secret subsidiary event (scheduled for the Friday evening) costs around £10.
Gardening Scotland (Friday 29th – Sunday 31st)
The Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh is to host Scotland's biggest gardening and outdoor living fair, spanning three days and featuring a plethora of horticultural paraphernalia and expert gardeners, on hand to inform and advise visitors.
Garden Avenue will also be displaying the work of garden designers tasked with inspiring visitors with what can be achieved in typical home gardens. A Food Theatre, Food Fayre, and Craft Marquee are also billed for the event, as are kids' educational and play activities.
Advance tickets for the Friday cost £15, while those for the Saturday or Sunday come in at £13. All tickets are subject to an additional 50p processing fee.
As usual, we'll provide reminders and ongoing coverage of several of these events on our Facebook and Twitter channels, so follow our accounts to stay up to date. Let us know what you're planning to do in Edinburgh this May using the comments function, and stay tuned to this blog for future entries in the series and more besides.
Events beginning in April [including Beltane Fire Festival, pictured]
Dinosaurs Return! at Edinburgh Zoo (Friday 3rd – Sunday 1st November)
Edinburgh Zoo is going Jurassic with a range of impressive animatronic dinosaurs, in an exhibition intended to raise awareness about the threat of extinction faced by many modern-day species. No need to book!
Edinburgh International Science Festival (Saturday 4th – Sunday 19th)
EISF was founded in 1989 as an educational charity with the aim of inspiring everyone to engage with the surrounding world, which they fulfil through work on an international scale. Within Edinburgh, however, their name is more often recognized as their eponymous festival, a long-time mainstay of the city's April calendar, but which can in fact claim its pedigree as the world's first science festival, and today sees a variety of informative events spanning two weeks. The Festival caters for both children and adults, with a more educational and interactive focus for a younger audience, and a series of intellectual discussions, screenings, and more for adults. There are also family-oriented events, including science shows, workshops, and exhibitions, so the programme is all-inclusive.
This year's Festival, dubbed The Ideas Factory, will see the halls, galleries, theatres, and gardens of Edinburgh play host to scientific innovation. Tickets for most events are in the surprisingly affordable £2.50-£5 price bracket (some are free), and a range of concessions are available, including for group bookings.
Tickets; FAQ 1: About the Festival; FAQ 2: Visitor Information
Cowgate Pop-up Market (Saturday 4th)
This event will run from 1pm-5pm across a dozen Cowgate venues. A range of art, craft, fashion, music, and food stalls will be erected at Movement, Opium, Sneaky Pete's, Dropkick Murphy's, The Three Sisters, Brewdog, The Mash House, La Belle Angele, City Café, Cabaret Voltaire, Pilgrim, and The Bongo Club.
The Old Town Street Food Festival (Easter Sunday, 5th)
Fairs at The Three Sisters pub (139 Cowgate) will resume on Easter Sunday, featuring some of Scotland's best pop-up food vendors and live music acts. Visitors will be granted free admission to the venue, which will host four music stages with over 25 live acts, including several DJs. In addition to the seven customary bars, including a specialized Real Ale Bar, the catering provision will extend to the eight food vendors who have already been confirmed; a list of these exhibitors can be found on the event's Facebook page.
Edinburgh International Harp Festival (Friday 10th – Wednesday 15th)
Another festival dating from the 1980s (82 to be exact, when it went under a different name and premises), this one sees an annual gathering of international harpists at Merchiston Castle School, where they can share their talents with the wider world. The festival is organized by The Clarsach Society as part of its wider outreach programme of events, courses and classes, and with sufficient demand will be followed by additional beginners' classes, also planned to take place in Edinburgh (details to be confirmed during the festival).
Again, a range of discounts and concessionary rates are available, including for group bookings (eight and above). As they are hosting different categories of events, prices vary widely, so check the programme overview here.
Edinburgh Comic Con (Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th)
Returning for its second year at Potterrow, this convention capitalizes on its line-up of special guests with an insightful programme of events, including cosplay competitions (with both adults' and kids' editions; registration required for both), prop displays, a charity auction in aid of Midlothian Foodbank, and of course a raft of industry talent and traders.
Ticket prices are £10 for single day adult admission and £18.50 for weekend admission. Child tickets cost £7.50 per day and £15.00 for the weekend; two under-10's can be admitted free per paying adult, and the child ticket rate also applies to concessionary visitors.
Morrisons Great Edinburgh Run (Sunday 19th)
First run (sorry) in 2005, the Morrisons Great Edinburgh Run now attracts in excess of 5000 people for a 10 mile run through central Edinburgh, with Greyfriars Bobby, the Royal Mile, the Scott Monument, and Edinburgh Castle as esteemed checkpoints. The event caters for a range of abilities with Junior (2.5k) and Mini (1.5k) Great Edinburgh Runs at Holyrood Park also featuring, as well as the advent of team relays for the main run, which see the 10 mile distance covered by two runners. Charity running places and business entries are also available.
Entry costs £27 for adults, £12 for Juniors (nine-15-year-olds) and £11 for three–eight-year-olds ("Minis"); business entrants can claim back VAT at £4.50 per entry.
Dead by Dawn (Thursday 23rd – Sunday 26th)
Yet another Edinburgh-born festival on this month's roster, Dead by Dawn is also the UK's longest-running horror film festival, returning to the Filmhouse for its 22nd edition with a new curation of independent previews, renowned classics, and shorts. The programme also features special guests and asides, most notably "Spawn of Dawn", which runs concurrently with, and showcases a selection of films from, the mother festival. Spawn of Dawn is for the owls among filmgoers, running from midnight on Saturday 25th until 11am on Sunday 26th.
Tickets for Dead by Dawn cost £75 and those for Spawn of Dawn cost £25 (not interchangeable); alternatively, individual tickets for all screenings are available, news on which is posted on the festival's Facebook page. All tickets can be purchased from the Filmhouse by over-18's only.
TradFest – Dùn Èideann (Wednesday 29th – Sunday 10th May) [including the Beltane Fire Festival, pictured]
TradFest celebrates traditional Scottish culture around Scotland's May festivals (Beltane and Mayday) which mark the beginning of summer, bringing the city to life to reflect Mother Nature's resurgence. This inclusive festival encompasses both national and local arts institutions with events featuring an international body of performers. The Pleasance will be the festival's music hub; the Edinburgh Filmhouse is to stage the world's first festival of Folk Cinema; the Scottish Storytelling Centre, site of TradFest's box office, is naturally the hotspot for song, story, music, dance, and crafts, as well as workshops and walking tours; book events are billed for the National Library of Scotland and Blackwell's Bookshop; and a TradFest Trail incorporates a number of smaller venues boasting strong associations with Scottish folk culture.
Perhaps the most prevalent TradFest event is the Beltane Fire Festival, claiming its origin from the ancient Gaelic festival of Beltane, held on the evening of 30th April in celebration of the commencement of summer. This tradition is preserved by the modern iteration, which takes the format of a procession and is situated on the scenic Calton Hill, beginning at the National Monument and enacting a ritualistic drama in an anti-clockwise circuit. This year's festival promises to be the most spectacular to date, with hundreds of costumed performers wielding a plethora of instruments, torches, and sculptures, as well as the symbolic lighting of a bonfire by the dramatic leads, the May Queen and Green Man. For the first time, the festival will incorporate sound and light performance and a garden of giant mushrooms made from wax found in the city's underground caves. It will also see the reinstatement of the Incorporation of Candlemakers of Edinburgh, who partook in the Beltane celebrations of medieval times.
Tickets for 12's-and-over begin at £8 and become incrementally more expensive closer to the festival date (children under 12 are admitted free of charge).
As usual, we'll provide reminders and ongoing coverage of several of these events on our Facebook and Twitter channels, so follow our accounts to stay up to date. Finally, let us know what you're planning to do in Edinburgh this April using the comments function, and stay tuned to this blog for future entries in the series and more besides.
Events beginning in March
Wee Dub Festival (Friday 6th – Sunday 8th March)
The country's biggest celebration of dub, reggae and soundsystem culture returns to Edinburgh for its fifth iteration. From modest roots as a one-night one-venue event in 2011, the Wee Dub programme has expanded to span 3 days in March across 7 central Old Town venues.
Tickets are available for either the whole weekend at £37 including the booking fee (over-18's only), or for individual sessions; see the festival programme for prices. They can be purchased online or at one of several venues in Edinburgh and Glasgow; for details, click here.
The Carol Nash MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show (Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th March)
MCN celebrates its 60th anniversary with Scotland's biggest motorcycle show, to be staged at Edinburgh's Royal Highland Centre over a weekend in March. In addition to sporting the latest models from household names, for which MCN are able to procure exclusive offers, there will be live action stunt showpieces, and a raft of goods available in the Bike Jumble sale and Retail Village. The show will also host the country's most comprehensive range of classic motorcycles, spanning over 8 decades, in its dedicated Classics Pavilion. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 will be able to partake in a supervised bike ride along a purpose-built street scene courtesy of Honda.
Advance tickets are available until 9pm on Friday 6th March and cost £12 per day for adults and £10 for seniors (over-65's), while children (under-15's) are admitted for free. Tickets will also be available on the day at a cost of £16 for adults and £14 for seniors. Additional parking charges of £6 per car apply (there is no charge for motorcycles) – see the FAQ.
Edinburgh Fashion Week (Saturday 7th – Sunday 15th March)
This celebration of Edinburgh's fashion scene encapsulates shows and catwalks, shopping evenings, styling sessions, and offers and giveaways. Reserved seating for the runway shows held in the fashion hub on The Mound over the opening weekend has been completely booked out, but unreserved seats in the back rows will be available each day. G&V Hotel will provide samples of their afternoon tea selection to attendees, and a range of beverages, including the Italian imports of Prosecco and Menabrea, and the locally-brewed Pickering's Pea-cocktails and Gin and Tonic, is to be served as refreshments between perusing the pop-up shops. The itinerary for the opening weekend can be viewed here; see also the events and offers held over the week.
Meadows Marathon (Sunday 8th March) [pictured]
This student-organized charity fundraiser comprises a 5k Fun Run, 10k Run, Half Marathon and Full Marathon, with entry costing £15, £22.50, £27.50 and £40 respectively, and open to ages 11+ (with an adult companion, either spectator or runner), 16+, 17+, and 18+ respectively. A range of offers, discounts, and promotions are detailed here, with qualification criteria including the number registering to run, the amount raised, and the best team and individual costumes. You will be able to register on the day, but the prices of all runs except the Full Marathon will increase. All proceeds from the event go to charity, and if you are fundraising you can choose the beneficiary. All runs consist of differing numbers of laps of the Meadows; the only requirement beyond age is that entrants be confident of their ability to complete their chosen course. Race time restrictions, which are 6 hours for the Full Marathon and 3 hours for the Half Marathon, will be in effect; runners can continue after this but roads will reopen and the organizers' auspices will be withdrawn. The course route (subject to minor alterations) can be found here.
Edinburgh Yarn Festival (Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th March)
Encompassing yarn, knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, and felting, this event will unite teachers, designers, and over 100 vendors at Edinburgh's Corn Exchange. Visitors of all capabilities are welcome, and catering will be available in the festival's yarn café. This year's programme will also see the advent of a podcast lounge set, where visitors can meet podcasters from the knitting industry.
Advance booking of tickets will confer access to a fast-track queue on the day, but tickets will also be available to purchase at the event. They can be purchased via this page at a cost of £8 for entry each day and £12 for the weekend. Classes must be booked separately at £47 each, and include admission on their respective day (or £53 for a class and admission on both days). The one exception is the Quotidian Colourwork class, which comes to £54 and £60 respectively, because of the volume of yarn used. There is disabled access to all 3 venues, and children aren't admitted to any classes. There is also an evening party, 'Ca-BAA-ret', from 7pm until 11pm on the Saturday, including a talk on the publishing of the KNITSONIC Stranded Colourwork Sourcebook, and a knitting-themed quiz with prizes. Party tickets cost £17 and include a drink of your choice; visitors on the Saturday will be able to stay in the yarn café after the closure of the marketplace for the hour until the doors to the party open at 6.30pm.
Edinburgh's Festival of Ireland (TBC; current listings from Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th March)
Edinburgh's Irish community will be celebrated on and around St Patrick's Day (Tuesday 17th March). The lineup for this year includes a series of talks on various Irish topics at Word Power Books, a free traditional concert held in Princes Street Gardens, a performance from an acclaimed Irish dance troupe at The Jam House, a community pageant with pipe and jazz bands along Portobello Promenade, and an exhibition in Central Library (details still to be confirmed).
The Scottish Tattoo Convention (Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th March)
Another festival which originated in Edinburgh in 2011, like Wee Dub, the Scottish Tattoo Convention has returned each year since, and is now the most anticipated event of its kind in the country. It is to be held in Edinburgh Corn Exchange, and will draw from an international pool of tattooing talent. A predominantly adult-themed programme of entertainment, from professional wrestling to burlesque, has been lined up for the event, in keeping with the age 18 restriction for tattoos in Scotland, although children under 16 can be admitted to the convention if they are accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets cost £23 per day, including the processing fee and collection either in-store or at the event, and £24.60 if you opt for them to be posted out to you (recorded delivery). A weekend ticket costs £34 to collect and £35.60 to be posted.
Puppet Animation Festival (Saturday 28th March – Saturday 18th April)
Yet a third festival in this month's roundup with its inception in Edinburgh, having celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, Puppet Animation has expanded countrywide to become the UK's largest performing arts event for children. The programme encompasses family-friendly performances, workshops, and films, and incorporates over 150 events for 2015. Listings can be found here; there appears to be a problem with the advanced search so at present visitors have to navigate through the pages and manually find those that meet their preferred criteria.
As usual, we'll provide reminders and ongoing coverage of several of these events on our Facebook and Twitter channels, so follow our accounts to stay up to date. Finally, let us know what you're planning to do in Edinburgh this March using the comments function, and stay tuned to this blog for future entries in the series and more besides.
This post documents my experience as an official local blogger for Edinburgh's Hogmanay 2014/15. Most people associate Edinburgh's Hogmanay with the party on New Year's Eve, but the #blogmanay programme spanned a week, with many local businesses extending a Scottish welcome to bloggers from across the globe.
What more iconic way to kick things off than a tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience on Castlehill? Here we were taken into a purpose-built vault to see the world's largest collection of whiskies, numbering 3384 bottles amassed by Brazilian aficionado, Claive Vidiz, over 35 years.
Toured Claive Vidiz's whisky collection @ScotchWhiskyExp last night. Enough for a tipple, I think. #blogmanay pic.twitter.com/8B7w8PPQTE
— Greatbase Apartments (@Greatbase) December 30, 2014
Two vintages singled out during our tour were The Taghta and Black Bowmore. The former is Scottish Gaelic for 'The Chosen', as befits a completely crowdsourced whisky, from the cask in which it was matured to its name, bottle and packaging design, promotional photography, and launch event. We were even treated to a dram; I'm no whisky connoisseur, but it certainly tasted different (better) than any I'd had before! Black Bowmore, its name referencing its ebony colour and the first recorded distillery on Islay, was deemed the most valuable bottle in the collection, estimated at around £35,000 (asking for a taste might have been pushing it).
Here we have the most precious whisky (valued about £35k) and a crowdsourced one toasted by @robinmckelvie #blogmanay pic.twitter.com/ktsHxmO2yv
— Greatbase Apartments (@Greatbase) December 30, 2014
On New Year's Eve, we bloggers joined the rest of the city to partake in the Torchlight Procession, an annual tradition whereby pipers and drummers, tailed by Up Helly Aa Vikings, lead a torchbearing parade down The Mound, across Princes Street, and up Calton Hill. The turnout for the event was a spectacle in itself, the route lined with spectators, some of whom joined the glowing throng as it passed. Amidst the torchbearers myself, I found it most striking when rounding the bends, especially from The Mound toward Princes Street, where a 'sea of fire' snaked ahead as far as the eye could see.
Our first photos from last night's great #Torchlightprocession as it crossed The Mound to Princes Street #blogmanay pic.twitter.com/G7faVwh5LF
— Greatbase Apartments (@Greatbase) December 31, 2014
The #Torchlightprocession continued to Calton Hill for a bonfire and spectacular fireworks displays #blogmanay pic.twitter.com/dRTvdNFDjz
— Greatbase Apartments (@Greatbase) December 31, 2014
At the top of Calton Hill, I was treated to a bonfire, followed by a ravishing fireworks display set to music and cleverly commencing within the majestic National Monument. Met with universal applause from the crowd, the show set a high precedent for the eagerly anticipated display billed for the big night.
And what a night it was. To begin my circuit of the festivities, I returned to the top of The Mound, where a Hot Dub Time Machine DJ set took revellers through the decades to the variegated sounds of each year's biggest hits. At 9pm, ABBA parody band Bjorn Again kicked off the celebrations in the party's centrepiece, The Concert in the Gardens, while its localized counterpart, The Scottish Stage on Frederick Street, was graced by Eddie Reader following a brief fireworks display signalling the end of the hour. Reader's proficiency with the local dialect reminded me that I was home after all.
#ABBA parody band @bjornagainAU got the party started at The Concert in the Gardens at 9pm #blogmanay pic.twitter.com/bfuYHkXaXg
— Greatbase Apartments (@Greatbase) January 3, 2015
Homegrown singer-songwriter @eddireader got the crowds warmed up at the Scottish Stage on Frederick Street #blogmanay pic.twitter.com/oGw5a1Cv3D
— Greatbase Apartments (@Greatbase) January 3, 2015
I then negotiated my way along Princes Street, innumerable partygoers captivated by a line of screens synced to the Hot Dub DJ set. On The Mound Precinct, Hugh MacDiarmid's Haircut played for the keilidh, jovial dancers forming a sprawling mass underneath the multicoloured spotlights and against the august backdrop of The Royal Scottish Academy.
Hugh MacDiarmid's Haircut provided music for the Scottish staple, a keilidh, on The Mound Precinct #blogmanay pic.twitter.com/iWYdxAGZu2
— Greatbase Apartments (@Greatbase) January 3, 2015
Our national presence extended to The Waverley Stage, with Scottish punk rock band The Twilight Sad prevailing over the leftmost strand of the fête.
Scottish punk indie rock band @thetwilightsad enthralled the crowd during their slot on the Waverley Stage #blogmanay pic.twitter.com/fNYmOXp4of
— Greatbase Apartments (@Greatbase) January 3, 2015
After more tantalizing fireworks, I completed my circuit in rejoining The Concert for 11.30pm, where zesty headline act Lily Allen was received with aplomb, her psychedelic set of LED pacifiers – and the world's swaggiest drum kit – complemented by her assured, soothing vocals and glitzy getup (provocatively pared down, and then up again because of the cold).
Allen took a brief hiatus for the world-renowned midnight fireworks, another sensory delight set to pop music, the night sky incandescent with its closing barrage. The camaraderie pervading the enclosure manifested in friends and strangers joining hands for Auld Lang Syne, a special moment that personalized the afore-intimidating crowd, which in all numbered around 75,000.
Allen returned to begin 2015 in style, and beckoned a spirited fan on stage to duet for her closing number. Having grown up in the secluded Scottish highlands, this was my first concert, and although she was the only act I saw in entirety, I left satisfied – even as others in the enclosure were calling for one more song!
Back in The Concert for the bells, headliner @lilyallen delighted her audience on an apt baby-themed stage #blogmanay pic.twitter.com/ZDcoB2niku
— Greatbase Apartments (@Greatbase) January 3, 2015
New Year's Day saw Scot:Lands, a series of Scottish showcases held in enviable venues throughout Edinburgh's Old Town. Neu:Land was hosted in The Hub (aka Edinburgh Festival Centre), and presented by Neu:Reekie, a local arts collective. Edinburgh- and Glasgow-based 4-piece Teen Canteen performed before a showing of Kenny McAskill's riveting daredevil short "The Ridge" (if you're sorry for having missed out on the public screening, don't forget the upcoming mountain film festivals!).
Neu:Land hosted @TeenCanteen and a showing of "The Ridge", which can be seen here: http://t.co/i8cbZV6Pmh #blogmanay pic.twitter.com/keo4qtdxVn
— Greatbase Apartments (@Greatbase) January 13, 2015
Next, it was across to the splendid St Giles' Cathedral for an interpretation of Hugh MacDiarmid's poem 'Scotland', courtesy of Dance Base.
Wholly:Land showcased a sequence by @DanceBase inspired by Hugh MacDiarmid's 'Scotland' @StGilesHighKirk #blogmanay pic.twitter.com/Nq7oUsWTCq
— Greatbase Apartments (@Greatbase) January 13, 2015
Finally, Hebcelt Festival created Hebcelt:Land in Edinburgh University's McEwan Hall, where Rura regaled us and Malin played for the climactic ceilidh, the audience eventually (!) getting to their feet to fill the grand central hall.
Finally, Hebcelt:Land had @HebCelt @RURAband excite attendees before Malin played for the closing ceilidh #blogmanay pic.twitter.com/QSqPOcYkoI
— Greatbase Apartments (@Greatbase) January 13, 2015
Our send-off show on the 4th of January was performed in the St Andrew Square spiegeltent, erected for Edinburgh's Christmas. Billed as a raucous burlesque, this was another first for me, so I wasn't sure what to expect of 'Briefs: The Second Coming'. Given it was staged at a late hour I only anticipated that it would be risqué; and that it was, moreover in the way that delights, which is to say, self-consciously, brazenly, and therefore hilariously. Ample light relief came in the banter of our witty and warming transvestite host, Shivannah, as well as in the prevalence of bananas, with which several audience members were victimized (fortunately I wasn't among them!). Most memorable for me, however, was the skilfulness undergirding the show: the acrobatics were awesome, Shivannah's magic breathtaking, and the ensemble elements captivating. Sadly, for prudent health and safety reasons photos are prohibited, which does them a disservice with all the spectacle involved. Briefs was a revelation and I'll be catching them again if they're back for the Fringe this year.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience blogging for Edinburgh's Hogmanay. It had a high novelty factor with my first concert, my first burlesque, and my first venture as an official blogger. The atmosphere throughout was upbeat, the shows were exciting and often surprising, and overall it left me with many memorable experiences to close one year and begin another on a high. A big thank you is due to the parties mentioned in the disclaimer below, and to Charlotte Gosling, our handler from organizers Unique Events, in particular.
#blogmanay is brought to you by Edinburgh's Hogmanay and is supported by ETAG, EventScotland, VisitScotland, Homecoming Scotland and co-creators Haggis Adventures. Created and produced by Unique Events. As always, all opinions expressed here are entirely our own.
Additional sources
Bonfire Night (Wednesday 5th; fireworks displays also on Sunday 2nd)
This annual commemoration of the foiled 1605 Gunpowder Plot, whereby a group of Catholics, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to assassinate the Protestant King James I by blowing up the Houses of Parliament in London, involves the burning of effigies representing Fawkes on bonfires, as well as fireworks displays (aptly reflecting Fawkes's role in keeping charge of the explosives). The Plot was uncovered when the authorities were tipped off by an anonymous letter and searched the undercroft beneath the House of Lords in the early morning of 5th November, where they discovered Fawkes safeguarding a stockpile of gunpowder – hence the traditional recitation of 'Remember, remember, the fifth of November', which has endured from the ditties of the time. Under a torturous interrogation, Fawkes revealed the names of his co-conspirators, and was sentenced to death by being hung, drawn, and quartered (although he managed to break his neck on the noose, thereby avoiding most of this ordeal). Fawkes has therefore come to be principally associated with the Plot, and so Bonfire Night is alternatively known as Guy Fawkes Night.
There are a number of organized fireworks displays planned around the event. The Scottish Love in Action's (SLA) Fireworks Extravaganza has 2 showings on 2nd November at George Watson's Rugby Ground on Myreside Road; gates open for the Blue Show at 4.10pm, with the Show running from 4.30pm-5.15pm, while admission to the Red Show is from 6.40pm for a 7pm start, culminating at 7.45pm. The programme of entertainment includes Edinburgh Rock Choir, the Delighters Fire Circus Theatre, and either the George Watson's College Pipe Band (Blue Show) or the Edinburgh Academy Pipe Band (Red Show). Tickets for both shows cost £26 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children – under 2's are admitted free) and £7.50 for a single ticket. Tickets for the Blue Show can be bought online here and the Red Show here.
The Meadowbank Annual Firework Display is scheduled for 5th November at the Meadowbank Sports Centre, and this year has a superhero theme. Doors open at 6pm, with the show getting underway at 6.30pm, and the fireworks display commencing at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6.50 plus a minimum booking fee of 50p (dependent on value of tickets purchased) and can be ordered online here, or by calling the Box Office on 0131 661 5351.
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Edinburgh Corn Exchange Wedding Fair (Saturday 8th – Sunday 9th)
Visitors to this Fair will be able to view the mainstays of any wedding showcased by over 130 exhibitors. From its beginnings in 2003, the Fair has procured wedding products and services for attendees to peruse, from bridalwear, groomswear, flowers, stationery, wedding cakes, and favours, to vintage cars, venues, photography, entertainment, and room arrangements. Wedding coordinators will be on hand to discuss your requirements, and drinks will be available at the Concourse Bar. A Fashion Show will also feature, adding hair, makeup, and jewellery to the spectacle. Discounts are offered by many suppliers, including 20% off wedding receptions at the Corn Exchange booked during the Fair.
Tickets can be purchased for £5 online here, or for £7 at the door, with under 16's admitted free of charge.
'Previously…' Scotland's History Festival (Wednesday 12th – Sunday 30th)
Through collaboration with Scotland's various historical institutions, this festival aims to highlight national history through talks, exhibitions, readings, guided tours, and more. The extensive programme, which includes both free and paid events, spans a range of Edinburgh venues (and even other cities!) and can be found online here.
Edinburgh Art Fair (Thursday 13th – Sunday 16th)
From its beginnings as the Contemporary Art Fair Edinburgh in 2005, this art show was rebranded as the Edinburgh Art Fair the following year, and has gone from strength to strength, having now attained the accolade of being Scotland's largest annual art show as it celebrates its 10th year. Organizers Arte in Europa spotlight both eminent and emerging talent from across Europe at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, and this year's Fair will have a marked cosmopolitan emphasis, with representation from Ireland, India, and inaugural showings of artists from Poland and Australia. Street art will also feature, with Edinburgh's own 'The Too Much Fun Club' creating a 7-metre long mural during the Fair.
Thursday night will be a preview evening running from 6.30pm-9.30pm, during which visitors can also bid on a charity art auction in support of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Tickets for the Fair can be bought at the door or from one of its sponsored charities, specifically the East Lothian Special Needs Playscheme, St Columba's Hospice, and Art in Healthcare (you can specify your preferred beneficiary when you purchase your ticket at the Fair). Preview evening tickets cost £10, and tickets purchased on any day are effectively weekend passes, conferring unlimited access to the Fair, which runs from 11am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. Tickets purchased on these days cost £5 (£3 concessionary rate, applicable to senior citizens, full-time students, and people in receipt of jobseekers allowance or income support – proof of concessionary status must be shown at the Fair).
Artist demonstrations and painting, print- and jewellery-making workshops will also run alongside the exhibitions; they are covered under the cost of admission, but places in some must be booked, so if you're interested, see this page.
Wicked (Wednesday 19th – Saturday 10th January)
Drawing on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, and its forerunner, L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, published 5 years earlier, Wicked explores the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba when they first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University. The story follows the very different paths they take after encountering The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; ones which establish the dichotomy between Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Shows run at Edinburgh's Playhouse Theatre (18-22 Greenside Place) at 7.30pm Monday to Saturday, with matinees, or afternoon shows, on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm. Each performance lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, with a 20-minute break. Additional matinees will figure on December 18th, 23rd, 28th (special in being a Sunday), 29th, and 30th, as well as the 2nd and 8th of January. There will be no matinees on the 19th of November or Hogmanay, and no performances on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Hogmanay, or New Year's Day. Prices range from £20 to £75 per ticket depending on the date, the category of seat selected, and the number of tickets purchased. School groups also receive a special rate on certain days. A £4 transaction fee applies to tickets purchased online and over the telephone, although the fee is waived for group bookings and theatre card members. Don't forget that we can offer a discount of around £5 off tickets purchased through us, so drop us a line via info[at]greatbase.co.uk to save yourself some money.
Wicked has accrued a spate of international awards and is recommended for an audience aged 7 and above (infants under 3 years of age are not admitted). Performances feature loud noises, flashing lights, smoke effects, and strobe lighting.
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Edinburgh's Christmas (Friday 21st – Sunday 4th January [including St Andrew's Day, 30th November])
Edinburgh's Christmas is a diverse range of events spanning 6 weeks of the Christmas season, and located in St Andrew Square and East Princes Street Gardens. It comprises shows in the famous Spiegeltent, ice skating, markets, and rides, including the landmark Big Wheel and the 60-metre-high Star Flyer, both of which offer vistas over the city. For full details on all that's happening, see here.
Edinburgh's Christmas activities also encompass some of those for St Andrew's Day on 30th November, which has been a Bank Holiday in Scotland since 2006 (although it's left to employers' discretion whether to give their staff time off). To present them with the opportunity, the Bank Holiday falls on the first Monday of December if the 30th of November lies over a weekend (so this year, the Bank Holiday will be on Monday 1st December). Celebrations on the 30th include free admission into Edinburgh Castle and entertainment in the Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square, as well as free skating sessions on the ice rink. Some of the Edinburgh's Christmas activities arranged for the day, including the skating, is ticketed and must be booked in advance. You can review the full programme of activities in the Square and book tickets here.
Book Week Scotland (Monday 24th – Sunday 30th)
This annual literary celebration sees a raft of book-themed events across Scotland over a week in November. The programme unites authors and illustrators with their readerships in libraries, schools, workplaces, community centres, and arts venues for a variety of events.
As well as the Edinburgh events programme, a series of auxiliary promotions are planned for the occasion: Stockbridge library has been selected to host 1 of 5 specially-commissioned artworks from creative studio Pidgin Perfect, inspired by the poem 'Dear Library' by Jackie Kay; organizers The Scottish Book Trust have created a series of Scotland-centric reading lists for those who want to explore our national backdrop across a range of genres (there's also one for books set in Edinburgh), and they're seeking our favourite Scottish literary character – you can vote for, or nominate, yours here any time before 5pm on Wednesday 26th. They're also soliciting reading pledges for the week, with the chance of winning a Nexus tablet.
As usual, we'll provide reminders and ongoing coverage of several of these events on our Facebook and Twitter channels, so follow our accounts to stay up to date. Finally, let us know what you're planning to do in Edinburgh this November using the comments function, and stay tuned to this blog for future entries in the series and more besides.
A German funfair modelled on that traditionally held in Munich, Oktoberfest is to be hosted over 10 days in a tent with a capacity for 1500, erected at the Red Square in West Princes Street Gardens. The festival celebrates Bavarian food, beer, and music, and is open from 4pm-11pm Wednesday to Friday each week, 12pm-5pm and 6pm-11pm both Saturdays, and 12.30pm-7.30pm each Sunday.
Admission is free each Wednesday, with a £5 entry fee on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and £10 on a Saturday. Entry on any day is included with a £34 (£39 for Saturdays) package for food, beer, and a seat reservation. Children are only admitted for the Sunday lunch. Early arrival is advised to avoid disappointment, as the venue is expected to reach capacity. Details on the different packages and extras available can be found here. You can also view video footage of the festivities and order Bavarian beer using the header links on the website.
Edinburgh Restaurant Festival (8 – 23 October)
This festival proffers a fortnight of food offers and events throughout Edinburgh's great selection of restaurants, delis, markets, and cafes. It opens on the 8th of October at 7pm with 'The Chef's Table', a gourmet evening at the Ghillie Dhu hosted by a quartet of Edinburgh's best chefs, each of whom will prepare one of the 5 exquisite courses served to attendees (after an opening round of canapes; the full menu can be found here). The event costs £100 and includes matched beverages for each course; tickets can be purchased from the Ghillie Dhu (tel: 0131 247 4701; email: email@example.com). This is Edinburgh are also running a prize draw for a meal for 2 and a bottle of Prosecco at the Gusto Restaurant and Bar in George Street – you can enter their competition here.
Other highlights include the producer taster parties to be thrown by our nearby friends, Cranachan & Crowdie; they'll be showcasing Edinburgh Gin on the 9th, NB Gin and Trotter's Independent Condiments on the 16th, and Pickering's Gin and Dunkeld Smoked Salmon on the 23rd (5pm-7pm each day). The 18th of October will see a Great Gin Treasure Hunt, where participants will follow riddles and clues through city centre bars in search of a prize gin cocktail, leading finally to The Edinburgh Gin Distillery where one lucky ticket-holder will win the opportunity to make their own small batch of gin. The West End Beer Festival is to feature from 12pm the following day, where attendees can meet brewers and sample beers across different bars (full event information is still to be made available).
Details on all the offers that will feature for the festival are available by using the filters on this page.
Men's Health Survival of the Fittest (19 October)
Similar in concept to Tough Mudder (profiled in our early June entry), Men's Health Survival of the Fittest is Britain's most popular adventure running series, challenging contenders to run a minimum of 10km through an urban assault course established in the host city. The series is open to both teams and individual competitors, and once you've braved the obstacle zones devised by organizers Rat Race, you'll be rewarded with a beer tent at the end of the course. This Scottish Survival event will be followed by 2 finales in London and Manchester on 2nd November.
The base, or Event Village, is to be located at West Princes Street Gardens; an outline of the rolling route and obstacles you'll encounter is available to view on the event's webpage. Friends and family are welcome to come and support you in this test of speed, endurance, and courage.
In keeping with the prior 2 years' precedent of completely selling out, standard tickets have gone already, but Last Chance tickets are still available at the time of writing this blog. Ticket prices can be found here, while the FAQ is available here.
Independent and Radical Book Fair (22-26 October)
This annual alternative book fair is organized by Word Power Books, and will be hosted at Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Dalmeny Street from 6pm on the opening night. The fair has a niche emphasis and will see over 70 publishers promoting their books and events, as well as author talks, book launches, creative writing and school workshops, and film screenings. Admission to the festival is free, but donations are encouraged. Catering will be available at the on-site cafe and bar. A photographic exhibition, entitled 'Shooting the Occupation: The Palestinian Villages of Popular Resistance', will run alongside the main fair. The lineup of events is available to view here.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival (24 October – 2 November)
This year's festival, entitled 'Once Upon a Place', celebrates how our past has been encapsulated in stories with a series of storytelling ceilidhs, talks, exhibitions, tours, and performances over 10 days. Topics for inclusion include Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, visual imagination and landscapes, fantasy stories (including dreams and prophecies), national stories, and tales of World War I.
The focus on place will be manifest in exploring the ways in which people perceive stories in rural and urban landscapes across Scotland, Europe, and the Pacific, while the cosmopolitan Open Hearth sessions will invite stories from around the world. The festival's closing weekend will mark Samhainn/Hallowe'en. Events will be held during daytimes and evenings in various venues throughout Edinburgh, and the festival will also cater for a younger audience, with one weekend assigned to nurturing the next generation of storytellers. Furthermore, anniversary celebrations for Edinburgh's UNESCO City of Literature status (10th), and Sir Walter Scott's debut novel, Waverley (200th), are to feature.
Tickets for events held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Gladstone's Land, and the National Library of Scotland can be obtained from the Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Office. Other venues have distinct booking outlets, details for which can be found on the back cover of the programme.
Festival Supporter Passes are available for £25, and include access to exclusive events and deals, including the launch party and discounts on events held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. More information on the benefits can be found in the festival programme, or by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's 'Botanic Lights – Night in the Garden' (30 October – 23 November)
Edinburgh's renowned Botanic Garden is to open its doors to visitors for night-time light shows from the end of October. The advent of this experience from the Garden, co-devised by Edinburgh firm Unique Events (organizers of Edinburgh's Hogmanay), has arisen from collaboration with Scottish light artists Malcom Innes and Euan Winton, who'll be transforming a kilometre-long trail through the venue and (literally) highlighting its prevailing features, such as the Victorian Palm House and Pond. There will also be some interactive installations which visitors can adjust to create their own spectacles. The combination of light and nature, including the stirrings of the Garden at night, is held to make for some impressive effects during the hour-long, family-friendly tour.
For further practical information and to secure an available timeslot, see the booking site, or call 0844 573 8455 from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Tickets are also available to purchase in person from the Festival Fringe Shop, 180 High Street, which is open from 10.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday.
Samhuinn Fire Festival (31 October)
This event takes place on Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile, the site of ancient markets, All Hallows fairs, and street performances, including the Galoshans play (based on the English folk legend, 'St George and the Dragon'), from which this festival takes its structure. Last year's had a spectatorship in excess of 6000, and the narrative illustrates the transmogrification of summer to winter through conflict between their respective kings.
Tickets aren't needed for attendance, although donations will be expected. Full event information is to be uploaded to the festival's webpage shortly.
Halloween (31 October) [events run before and after]
Halloween is a very popular occasion in Edinburgh, and as such, there are a wide and varied range of events planned, from walks and themed tours to parties, dances, and ceilidhs. Edinburgh Tourist have compiled a selection here, as well as a handy list of some Halloween customs for those less familiar with this festival. It's worth noting that some of these events run long before and after the 31st; for example, 'Halloween at The Dungeons' begins on 10th October and ends on 2nd November, while 'Close Fest at The Real Mary Kings Close' begins on 31st October and continues until 6th November.
As usual, we'll provide reminders and ongoing coverage of several of these events on our Facebook and Twitter channels, so follow our accounts to stay up to date. Finally, let us know what you're planning to do in Edinburgh this October using the comments function, and stay tuned to this blog for future entries in the series and more besides.


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Dubrovnik is one of Croatia's most fascinating cities and rich in culture, nightlife and outdoor pursuits. Despite suffering heavily during the Croatian War, it's now looking better than ever with historic buildings just waiting to be discovered. The many beaches make for a wonderful full or half-day trip and can be accessed by foot, boat or car. And don't forget to tuck into some delicious seafood and sample some of Croatia's native wine. After dinner, head to one of the many coastal bars or make a beeline for a club in the Old Town to enjoy the evening the Croatian way. There's plenty of opportunities to stay active on holiday in Croatia. Take to the high seas in a chartered boat and find yourself an uninhabited cove where you can spend the day in total privacy. A holiday to Dubrovnik in 2019 / 2020 is the ideal destination for those who want to mix culture, relaxation and adventure for a trip that you'll remember forever.
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Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik Riviera
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Last minute escapes for under £500pp
At a glance
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- Average flight time: 3h 15m
Best beaches in Croatia
Hidden places in Dubrovnik
When to go
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Things to do in Dubrovnik
Despite being heavily bombed during the Croatian War, much of the city has now been reconstructed and is in fine shape. Most of the attractions are located in the city's Old Town. The bell tower marks a significant point in the city. The bronze statue strikes hourly as the sounds ring out across the town. The city walls, which once provided strategic defence for the city, can now be walked and give a unique perspective from above. There are several entrances to the walls, and you can pay by credit card or with local currency. The Church of St. Ignatius and its Jesuit college is an ornate Baroque structure constructed in the 17th century. It's just one of many ecclesiastical buildings that are worth visiting when you visit Dubrovnik on holiday. The city is also famous for being one of the primary filming locations of the popular TV series, Game Of Thrones. The Old Town has stood in for several locations, primarily King's Landing, and several walking tours will take you to many of the otherwise easy-to-miss filming locations.
Places to eat
Being a coastal location, it's no surprise that Dubrovnik, and in fact Croatia as a whole, has a culinary emphasis on seafood. Food here is generally a conservative affair, using fresh, quality ingredients prepared to a high standard. The Old Town is packed with many restaurants, all of which offer a similar menu, so don't worry too much about searching for a specific eatery. Croatia's proximity to Italy also means that it's influenced by their cuisine. Wood-fired pizza ovens are common and you'll stumble across a few pizzerias as you journey through the streets of Dubrovnik. For those on a budget, the Marco Polo restaurant serves traditional dishes in a quaint courtyard. If you want to sample some of the local seafood without breaking the bank, then head to Barba. Particularly popular for its succulent octopus burgers, this fast food restaurant with a difference is sure to delight every time. If you're looking for something a little more high end then Proto is the place to be. Situated on a first-floor terrace, they serve classic Dalmatian seafood, such as fresh oysters and shrimp in a garlic and white wine sauce.
Dubrovnik for Families
Dubrovnik's slow pace and relaxed way of life are ideal for those travelling with young children. Take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd for panoramic views over the peninsula. It's regarded as one of the highlights of the town and a must on any itinerary. Kids will also love to walk the extensive city walls which encircle the old town. At times you'll be 25 metres above the streets, and youngsters will be thrilled while playing in the many fortifications you'll come upon along the way. Naturally, you'll want to head to the beach when on holiday in Dubrovnik. Lapad is regarded as one of the best for children due to its shallow waters and many amenities. Copacabana Beach also caters heavily to children. There are water shutes, banana rides and pedalos available for rent and if you don't fancy joining in, there are plenty of cafés along the pebble beach where you can relax with a drink.
Beaches near Dubrovnik
Banje Beach is the closest one to the town centre. However, it's also the most popular. While parts of it have been privatised there is still a section of the beach which can be accessed free of charge. Lapad Beach is located just over three kilometres from the centre of town, but is much less crowded and you can find shade among the numerous trees. The wider area around the beach is thought to be one of the most stunning in the local vicinity and is a must on a holidaymaker's itinerary. If you're feeling adventurous, why not take a short boat trip to Lokrum island? The 10-minute trip, which departs from the Central Pier, will transport you to this geographically rocky area where several ladders lead you to the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.
When to go
The warm and clear waters of the Adriatic Sea are perfect for those who enjoy swimming. A secret spot which remains elusive to many tourists is just beyond the aquarium in the Old Town. Café Buza also gives visitors the opportunity to partake in some cliff jumping. This adrenaline-fuelled activity should not be undertaken without the advice of a professional, though. Dubrovnik Sea Kayaking is one of the most popular tour providers offering excursions, which depart daily from Pile Beach, situated just outside the city walls. Visitors from all over the world flock to this region because of its excellent sailing conditions. There are many collections of islands located just off the Adriatic coastline which can be reached in under an hour from Dubrovnik. You can charter a yacht from one of the many agencies around the town, or book yourself onto a manned excursion if you want to just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Croatia has some of the most breathtaking scenery and landscapes in Europe. Its national parks are known for lush vegetation, cascading waterfalls and excellent trekking opportunities. If you want to head a little further afield, then Sarajevo and Montenegro are also accessible by bus from the town.
Dubrovnik Nightlife
Rakija is the most commonly consumed drink in Croatia. Produced by fermenting a variety of different fruits such as plums and grapes, all varieties are quite strong so be sure to sample with caution. Though it doesn't have a huge presence on the world stage, Croatia actually produces some of the highest quality wines in Europe. It's incredibly cheap, although it's recommended to spend a little more to ensure good quality. There are many cafés in the Old Town where people drink alfresco in the warm Croatian sunshine. Head towards the coast and you'll stumble across a variety of small squares all playing live music. A few of the more popular establishment establishments are Oliver Twist Bar (known for its cheap drinks and free WiFi), Casablanca (famous for its outside seating area and techno music) and Buzz Bar (a new addition to the scene that's already proved very popular among locals). Though not a party town, Dubrovnik does have its fair share of nightclubs, should the mood strike. East West is a beach club after dark and Club Orlando is a basement disco which sometimes features international acts.
Dubrovnik for Couples
Dubrovnik's authentic charms and cultural delights make it the ideal destination for couples looking for that perfect getaway. You can pair some well-deserved relaxation time with a little adventure when you book a holiday to Dubrovnik. Spend your morning shopping in the boutique stores which line the cobbled streets of the Old Town. After a spot of fresh fish for lunch, why not head to one of the many vantage points which are located across the city? The crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea along with the simply divine Croatian weather make for a perfect day spent on one of the region's stunning beaches. There are several islands located off the coast of Dubrovnik which can be easily reached in under an hour by boat. It's a great way to get away from the crowds in the city and have yourself a romantic day on a secluded beach in the Croatian sunshine.
Culture and history
Croatia, and in particular Dubrovnik, is known for its rich history and culture. Most of the relics and attractions are situated within the Old Town. The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is one of the most beautiful in the area and dates back to the 18th century. Another highlight is the Dominican Monastery which, in addition to its religious purpose, is representative of the town's ancient culture. There are plenty of museums to explore while on holiday in Dubrovnik. The Natural History Museum is one of the best and has a collection of taxidermy specimens which date back hundreds of years. The Synagogue and Jewish Museum is thought to be the second-oldest of its kind in Europe. The country has a long-standing Jewish community who have enjoyed relative freedom here as other areas Europe infamously were turned against them.

subset: commoncrawl


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Everything you need to know about bathroom fan installation costs and prices in Athens, GA.
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A: The cost of bathroom exhaust fan installation in Athens, Georgia is $158.46 fixed fee (includes mid-grade bath fan).*
$158.46 fixed fee (includes mid-grade bath fan) - Range: $111.63 - $205.28
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* Disclaimer: Costs and prices shown on the ProMatcher site are intended to be used as general information, not as guaranteed estimates. To obtain cost information relevant to your project, request a quote or estimate from a local service provider.


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Thursday, October 30, 2014
October 30 Photo of the Day: Chilean Patagonia
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine – Chile © 2014 Peter Marble
November 10, 2008 – Here's another shot from our 2008 trip to Chile and Argentina.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, it was a wild day with +100 km/hour winds. Getting a good exposure, much less a reasonably sharp image, was certainly a challenge.
In this particular case, although the highlights are definitely blown out, I love the overall effect of the lone guanaco with the torres (towers) in the background.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
October 22 Photo of the Day: Ontario
McGowan Lake – Near Perth, Ontario © 2014 Peter Marble
October 13, 2014 – This is one of several images captured just after 8:00 a.m. on a glorious Thanksgiving Monday morning while driving west on Highway 7 from Perth.
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text: How To Email & Messaging FutureMe.org Review Share Pin Email Print Email & Messaging Tips & Tricks Gmail Tips & Tricks Yahoo Tips & Tricks Outlook Tips & Tricks Basics Guides & Tutorials Installing & Upgrading Key Concepts VoIP by Heinz Tschabitscher A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. Updated June 06, 2019 FutureMe.org allows you to send yourself an email time capsule at any date up to 50 years in the future. Optionally, your message is posted anonymously on the site. As a registered FutureMe.org user, you can change the address to receive future emails should it change. What We Like FutureMe.org lets you send emails (to yourself) at a specified date up to 50 years in the future. You can edit the address of future FutureMe.org emails should you change accounts. FutureMe.org has been around for some time, so there is a chance at least it will be around when your mail is scheduled. What We Don't Like FutureMe.org may be open to abuse. Description of FutureMe.org FutureMe.org lets you send emails to be delivered up to 50 years in the future.Messages can also be posted (anonymously) on the site.You can add an image to your message if you like.Should your address change, you can modify the recipient of future FutureMe.org messages. Sending Your Future Self Emails With of FutureMe.org With FutureMe.org, you can send yourself emails that will be delivered at a specific date, up to 50 years from when you are writing them. You could remind yourself of the dreams you once had (only to find out they are way behind you now), as a general memory pool (the contrast of what you now think about your current situation and what you will remember about it in a few years can be stark), to send yourself birthday greetings, and as a classic exercise for the here and now, of course: "Where do you see yourself in five years?" The problem and the beauty with FutureMe.org is that the emails will actually be delivered in five years. It does not even help to change email addresses, as FutureMe.org lets you update the address to which future messages will be delivered. Tell the World, Too For extra kicks, you can make the emails to your future self-public, or add an image. Anybody can read them on FutureMe.org, and you can find out about other people's dreams, ideas, and worries (seen from the imagined distance of a few years), too. Continue Reading


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Granger's Automotive has Toledo's best mechanics along with the state-of-the-art equipment to complete all of your car repairs quickly and correctly. Granger's automotive mechanical shop offers a complete line of professional mechanical services. The automotive mechanical shop can handle repairs as simple as checking your fluids or as complex as rebuilding your engine. Some of the other car care repair services we offer include:
The experienced, trained professionals at Granger's Automotive will thoroughly examine your car and provide you with a complete estimate and description of all car repair work to be done. Granger's certified mechanics are more than happy to go over every problem with your car and answer any questions you may have. The mechanics pride themselves on their professionalism and attention to detail. Bring your car to Granger's Automotive Toledo if you want it done right the first time.
The professionals at Granger's Automotive understand that with a little help, many people can remedy some of their car's ills themselves. Here are some helpful do-it-yourself tips from the professional mechanics in the mechanical and auto body repair departments at Granger's Automotive Toledo:
Call the experienced professionals at Granger's Automotive for all of your car care needs. Whether you need a new paint job or your "check engine light" is on, bring your car in to Toledo's favorite care car center. Call us today at 419-691-2962 to set up an appointment or for a free quote for our car repair services.
Granger's Automotive provides professional automotive repair and service on virtually all domestic and foreign makes and models of car, truck, SUV, van or RV. Our certified automotive mechanics can do anything from accident repairs to complete engine rebuilds.
Whether you're looking to have your vehicle serviced or you're car is in need of repairs, Granger's Automotive is your one-stop-shop in Toledo, Ohio. We have a complete auto repair facility with 16 bays to repair your car in and the friendliest, most dependable service in the area.
At Granger's each of our experienced technicians are ASE Certified and use state-of-the-art equipment to make repairs to your foreign or domestic car or truck.
The ASE certified automobile engine repair, service and replacement technicians at Granger's Automotive have the necessary knowledge and experience regarding automobile engine troubleshooting, repair, service, maintenance and replacement.
Granger's Automotive can help you with any of vehicular problems you may have:
Our technicians are certified in mechanical work, unibody frame repairs, and high-tech plastics. Our techs are also certified in painting and detailing services. When you bring your vehicle to our auto shop, we check the oil, power steering fluid, coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid, and tire pressure. We serve Toledo and surrounding areas.
We service and repair all types, makes and models of car, 4WD and commercial vehicles. Our technicians are very experienced on a wide range of vehicles. So no matter the age or condition of your vehicle call us today for all service and repairs.
Our workshop is equipped with the latest Vehicle Diagnostic equipment. We can accurately diagnose and repair any Engine Management and EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) problem in order to restore the power and economy to your vehicle.


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November 27, 2016
Palm Springs Construction
Filed under Cities/Urbanism,Coachella Valley,Photography | permalink | November 27, 2016 at 02:06 PM | Comments (0)
November 21, 2016
LA Opera - Akhnaten
Los Angeles Music Center - the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is on the right.
The LA Opera seems a bit heavy handed in promoting social media.
Composer Philip Glass and conductor Matthew Aucoin had a talk in the lobby before the performance. Philip Glass is in the crowd in the upper right with his hand on a lady's shoulder.
During the intermission after Act II.
More photos from my visit to the LA Opera can be seen here.
Here's the LA Times review of LA Opera's "Akhnaten."
Wikipedia article about the opera.
Here's a short video that gives you a few brief samples of the performance. The jugglers were amazing. Often there was so much action on the stage that you just couldn't follow it all - a sort of five-ring circus. It was great!
If you want a sampling of the music, here is the first 10 minutes and 44 seconds of the opera.
Akhnaten himself is sung by a counter-tenor. Here Anthony Roth Costanzo explains how he prepared.
Akhnaten imposed a monotheistic religion on Egypt during his reign (1353 BC to 1336 BC). His queen was Nefertiti. His son was Tutankhamen. More facts.
Filed under Music | permalink | November 21, 2016 at 10:13 PM | Comments (2)
Hotel Cecil
The L.A. Cultural Heritage Commission visited Hotel Cecil on Main Street. The lobby is quite nice. They also took us up to the 14th floor to see a couple of typical rooms. Most rooms do not have baths, so there are shared toilets and showers on each floor. All of the rooms are small; about 11' by 17'. We saw one room that had no bath and it was pretty small, but included a small flat screen TV and a clock radio that included a mount for an iPod (the old Apple connection, not Lightning). Then they showed us a room with a bath. It was still 11' x 17', so they just used almost all the open floor space to put a bathroom (shower, toilet, sink) in there. There was about 18 inches of clearance on either side of the bed, and if there was any furniture besides the bed, I can't recall it. The hotel is now doing business as "Stay On Main." The rooms are very plain,
Looking out the window of a 14th floor guest room, this is the view.
More photos of Hotel Cecil can be found here.
Filed under Architecture,California,Cities/Urbanism,History | permalink | November 21, 2016 at 08:30 PM | Comments (0)
Catalina Swimwear Building
On a tour with the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. Here's the Wikipedia article for Catalina Swimwear.
The building is live/work lofts. That's one of the Commissioners front and lower center.
A bit of newer stuff was pulled off to reveal some of the original facade, which will be restore.
More photos of the Catalina Swimwear Building are here.
Filed under Architecture,California,Cities/Urbanism,History | permalink | November 21, 2016 at 07:07 PM | Comments (0)
Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission
On Thursday morning last week I attended a 9 AM meeting of the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission in LA City Hall. They had two things on their agenda that morning: first was to consider designating the Bob and Dolores Hope Estate in Toluca Lake as a monument; second was to go visit and tour Hotel Cecil and the Catalina Swimwear Building. It was the second thing that I came for, but the Bob Hope house issue was very interesting.
Above is the Google Earth view of the estate.
Below is what the public could see from the street.
The place is owned by the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. First the staff made its presentation with a slide show and talk all about how ultra famous Bob Hope was. Under Los Angeles law there are two different bases that can justify declaring something a monument. One basis is the usual: great cultural, historical, architectural (etc.) significance. The second is that it was the home of a celebrity. The Bob Hope house was proposed (by a city council member) due solely to the celebrity status. Staff admits it has no cultural, historical, architectural (etc.) significance. In discussion the Commissioners said that in L.A. they obviously are not going to declare every residence of every celebrity a monument or they would consume a significant portion of the housing market. But they agreed that Bob Hope was just about the most famous person in the world.
After the staff report the Foundation got up to make their comments. They were daughter Linda Hope and a couple of other people, one of whom may have been an attorney. They told us quite a different story than staff told. Right off the bat, Linda Hope said they had the wrong address. The correct address is 10346 Moorpark Street. Staff had supplied the address as 10350 Moorpark Street. No points for staff there. Then she went on to explain that while staff had described the house as French Chateau style, only the original house was French Chateau and that Dolores Hope had almost continually added wings and additions so that now the house was some sort hodge-podge of no significance. She also disputed their description of the grounds which staff said included a "one-hole par 3 golf 'course'." Linda Hope said it was only a small decorative thing that could not really be used for golf.
Worse, she said, was that there was no way the Los Angeles public could access the house. In the '90s the Hopes had considered making it into a museum, but quickly learned that since it was in a quiet upscale residential area with narrow streets, there was no way it could be a museum open to the public. So the Hopes' final instructions were to use the estate to help fund the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. The intention of the trustees was to sell it. The place had been sitting on the market for ages but not long ago the first decent offer was submitted. That was when the city council member asked that the Cultural Heritage Commission consider the property. The decent offer was immediately withdrawn.
Linda Hope listed all of the memorials to Bob Hope that are scattered over the Los Angeles area. She said each and every one of those was more significant to the legacy of Bob and Dolores Hope than the estate. Later, Commissioners said they were surprised by the list, not realizing there were already so many memorials; so obviously staff didn't do that research either.
A couple of residents got up to also speak against the designation, but the essence of their arguments was that Toluca Lake is a beautiful, quiet community and any kind of monument there would bring traffic, noise and lower property values. The President of the Commission interrupted both of those commenters (!) to tell them that was of absolutely no concern to this Commission.
One Commissioner suggested giving monument status to only the hedge and gate in front of the house, because those were the only things the public would ever see. I was pretty sure that was a joke, but the President went ahead and explained how impractical that would be.
Finally, a Commissioner made the motion to deny monument status and that was approved 5-0. The decision now goes to city council, since it had originated there and city council could overrule this decision.
The meeting was adjourned and we headed out on our field trip.
Filed under Architecture,California,Cities/Urbanism,Film/Movies,History,Television | permalink | November 21, 2016 at 07:04 PM | Comments (0)
November 19, 2016
Rare Double Survival Of Lost Desert Hikers
None of the details of how this all came down are included in this article and I imagine the couple haven't talked to any press about it. I was astonished that after being found they decided to go to Joshua Tree where they would spend the night. That is far from a direct route home. It sounds like they're continuing their vacation! They sound pretty tough. I hope they make some babies.
In the map below, Black Mountain Road, where they were found, is roughly diagonal across the center of the image. They seem to have been not too far from a broadcast tower. I wonder if the lights they spotted were on that tower.
Filed under California,Coachella Valley | permalink | November 19, 2016 at 09:20 PM | Comments (0)
November 14, 2016
This is something to watch
Filed under Automotive | permalink | November 14, 2016 at 11:52 PM | Comments (0)
Drones, Chapter 2
There are enough drones in a sufficient number of hands now, it became inevitable that they'd finally be used for some real nitty gritty. This is not pleasant to watch and it's got some really good swearing, but there's no blood or gore…or even sex!
Filed under Photography | permalink | November 14, 2016 at 11:46 PM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2016
Blythe Outlawed Marijuana Sales
But that was some time ago when the issue was solely medical marijuana. Now, however, the city leaders see that Blythe could be THE city to supply recreational marijuana to all of Arizona...illegally, of course, but how many cops can Arizona tie up just to watch for marijuana to cross the Colorado River.
Filed under California,Marijuana | permalink | November 13, 2016 at 05:22 PM | Comments (0)
November 4, 2016
DHS Dispensary #6
The city's sixth medical marijuana dispensary is open, and this is the one that's only one block from where I live! Great for the day I'm in a wheelchair. They give their web address as IVTHC.com, but it looks like they let their domain registration slip, because there's nothing there now. They are on the west side of Palm Drive almost at 4th Street, 11555 Palm, immediately next to the dentist's office, in that set back building that used to be a dentist's office.
Here's their Weedmaps page. They opened only yesterday, November 3. Hours are 10 AM to 7 PM, every day of the week.
It's the building on the left.
Filed under Coachella Valley,Desert Hot Springs,Marijuana | permalink | November 4, 2016 at 02:45 PM | Comments (0)
Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Cable)
Over the last week I've had my first go-round with Spectrum, which has taken over Time Warner Cable, and it is not good. I've been paying about $80/month to Time Warner for internet service only, 30 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload. I've been getting mailers from Spectrum that seem to say they are offering internet at 100 Mbps for only $30/month. But if you read the fine print you'll see that's only if bundled with other services that I don't want.
So I called Spectrum a week ago, Friday, October 28 to inquire. The deal I was given then was a bundle of only phone and internet, for a total of about $60, and the internet would be 100 Mbps. But they had to give me a new modem to handle the phone. The sales person said the 100 Mbps would be available within about 10 minutes (!) and the modem would be shipped FedEx and arrive Monday or Tuesday.
An hour later my internet was NOT 100 Mbps (using Speakeasy speed test), so I called sales again. Got a different person who said my order was "incomplete," and it wouldn't be complete until I got that new modem. He said that even though the modem I have now could handle 100 Mbps, they would not upgrade me until I received the new modem. It was not a hardware limitation, but solely a policy decision by Spectrum not to give me what I want immediately, even though they could do it. Further, this sales person told me that when I received the modem via FedEx I didn't have to do anything. My speed would simply jump up to 100 Mbps. I wouldn't have to call Spectrum or even install the new modem. The mere receipt of it would, of course, FedEx would update its tracking and Spectrum would see that I had it and that would trigger whatever needed to happen.
This seemed weird and unbelievable, but it satisfied me, because I didn't want phone service at all. My intent was to never take the new modem out of the box, get my 100 Mbps internet for only $60 for a year, and then when the special offer ended in a year I'd figure out what to do then.
On Monday, I got a call from Spectrum saying I needed to listen to instructions about my upcoming new phone service. What that is, is the explanation of how 911 works and how 911 may not have the location of my phone for a few days, and that if I moved I needed to update my info so 911 would be updated. No problem. Except I had listened to those instructions on Friday as part of the first sales call. I told this caller that, and she said there was no record of it. I told her if she needed to play some recording for me, then go ahead and play it. She played a recording, but it wasn't about 911. Sounded more like a sales offer. Then it ended. So I hung up.
By Wednesday I still had not gotten the modem and my speed checks showed my 30 Mbps had had actually fallen to less than 10 Mbps (sometimes less than 5!), so I called tech support. They could not find anything wrong, so they scheduled a tech visit for Friday, November 4 (today, as I write this). While I had the tech on the phone I asked him about the modem and he told me it would be delivered later on Wednesday.
The modem was never delivered.
On Thursday my service was back up to 30 Mbps and that seemed stable throughout the day, so late in the day I called Spectrum to cancel Friday's tech appointment. The technician I got on the phone, though, only wanted to talk about a service appointment he saw that had been scheduled for the same day I was calling, Thursday, from 10 AM to 7 PM! But that service call had been cancelled. Also, my entire order from last Friday had been cancelled. And he couldn't find any tech appointment for me on Friday! So, everything I had called Spectrum about over the last week had just disappeared.
So the tech on the phone offered to re-send the modem, but I asked if I could just go pick it up at the local office, so he set it up that way.
Today, Friday, I went over the Spectrum office on Palm Drive whereupon I was told by the service person that the ONLY way I could get 100 Mbps was to pay $99/month plus a $199 activation fee! So I told her to forget the modem and came home empty handed.
I called Spectrum sales again and asked what kind of deal I could get on internet. I was told I could only get a bundle of TV, phone and internet, for a total of $90, which is more than I'm paying for internet now, so I didn't want that. All I really want is faster service for the same or less money. I asked the sales person if there were any other options for getting internet service and he said no! No? We went back and forth on that for a bit, until he acknowledged that I could get 50 Mbps if I pay $110/month. So that was the end of that deal.
I'm sticking with my 30 Mbps at $80/month. Let me know how your experiences with Spectrum go.
Filed under Coachella Valley,Desert Hot Springs,Technology | permalink | November 4, 2016 at 01:39 PM | Comments (7)


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In 2011 we reported on the massive judgment against Mattel in its battle with rival toymaker MGA over the Bratz line of dolls and accessories. The judgment included $80+ million in compensatory damages, $80+ million in punitive damages, and $140 million in attorneys' fees.
With a judgment like that, you might expect the appeal to result in a lengthy opinion. Nope. The Ninth Circuit needed only nine pages to completely vacate the compensatory and punitive damages and a portion of the fee award.
"An Introduction to #AppellateTwitter — It's Worth a Look"
55 minutes ago


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Roman Culture in the Movies
This content was COPIED from BrainMass.com - View the original, and get the already-completed solution here!
Hello, please help me with my assignment below:
In this unit we discuss various characteristics of Roman culture; this culture has inspired many key pieces of literature, including the more modern Dan Brown books The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons which were major hits and created into films.
Discuss how Roman culture, religion and symbolism were the background for many key elements used in the films. If you haven't seen the films or read the books check them out!© BrainMass Inc. brainmass.com October 10, 2019, 2:11 am ad1c9bdddf
Solution Preview
Roman Culture - Modern Influences
Western Culture, in its European roots can be traced to that of the Greeks and the Romans. We can even further argue that the modern culture we are enjoying/practising today is rooted in the foundations of the Roman Culture which in turn rooted their own in that of the Greeks from politics, social structure, philosophy, academics, economics and religion. How did the modern ideas of citizenship, civilization, democracy, philosophy, republicanism, suffrage, nations and national identity come about? Historians point to the Greeks being the first generation Modern Thinkers when via the likes of Plato, Pythagoras, Archimedes, Hippocrates and Thucydides we came upon the very first foundations of Western philosophical, political, social and academic thought. The social values, traditions, social and cultural artefacts of the Greeks and the Romans have been passed over from inheriting civilization to the next. When the Greeks fell to Decline, the Romans took over and subsequently studied and inherited the cultural traditions of the Greeks. The Syrians and other Middle Eastern Scholars also preserved some of their works and these had been studied time and again. The likes of Plutarch, a Greek-Roman scholar preserved and practised this scholarship and orators and politicians like Cicero championed this by living the classics in their everyday life - Cicero was not only a politician, lawyer and sportsman, he was also a political theorist and a Greek-Classics master, introducing to Rome Greek Philosophy, creating a Latin philosophical vocabulary and championing the cause of Humanities and philosophy via active correspondence and writings. Linguistic talents were appreciated and forwarded in Cicero's Rome and academic scholarship was expected of any Roman leader as exemplified by him. When Rome fell, the systems of social organization and cultural traditions were adapted by each Roman territory who found themselves 'free' - the Dark Ages saw a struggle of power and dominance in these 'freed' territories, united by their religious belief which was instilled by the succeeding Empire to that of Classic Rome - the Holy ...
Solution Summary
The solution is a 1,356-word tutorial module that discusses varied aspects of the Roman culture and its' history and then relates this to its modern representation, in particular their utilization as background elements in the Spielberg/Hanks movies 'The Da Vinci Code' and 'Angels and Demons' which were adapted from the work of novelist Dan brown. References are listed. A word version of the solution is attached for easy printing.


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Bees make the best pets
All the Buzz about being Resilient, Collaborative, Industrious, Generous, and Sweet–Straight from the Hive. Writer and beekeeper Jack Mingo, who set up his first backyard hive in 2004, offers his humorous and unique observations of the world of the mystical, matriarchal, gentle, sweet bee in 'Bees make the best pets'. Suitable for anyone that is interested in saving bees and bee keeping.
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A hardworking community
With its 300 inhabitants, Sommarøy is one of the busiest fishing villages in the county of Troms. The main produce here is herring, which is processed and packed in a state of the art processing plant where it is frozen for global export. This fishing community is thus an important contributor to the national economy, and the export value per capita is substantial.
A new fishing village
A more evocative name than Sommarøy is hard to imagine. The name goes back to the time when most people lived on the neighbouring Hillesøya Island; they used the land on Sommarøy to graze their cows in summer. Sommarøy began to develop around the turn of the last century, in tandem with the motorisation of the fishing fleet. Previously, when rowing and sailing were the norm, it was common to live as far out on the coast as possible. However, with the arrival of the motorboat and larger vessels, the need for a proper harbour grew.
The view
The views from Sommarøy Island are impressive to say the least. To the north you can see all the small islands of the Tromsø County. Håja is the highest of these islands and rises 486 meters straight out of the water. It has the same shape as the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø. Coincidence? The jury is still out on that one! To the south, you can see the all the way to the Kjølva headland, past the steep shoreline of Senja. Facing inland and towards the east is the view of the mountains of Kvaløya, whilst Storhavet itself lies to the west. If you manage to be here at midnight in the height of summer, the midnight sun shines on the horizon that lies due west of Håja Island.
White beaches
The beaches are of Riviera standard, and there are many warm and shallow coves on Sommarøy. The water temperature can't exactly be called inviting, but during some summers, a dip can be just the ticket. However, it is much more common to take long, pleasant walks along the beach, picking up shells and just taking in the scenery.
To Tussøy Island
Tussøy, the island due north of Sommarøy, is serviced by a boat a couple of times per day. Tourists are welcome to use this service, which takes a good hour there and back. It is possible to go ashore in the morning and to be fetched in the afternoon. Proper clothing is essential. Being an island with only five inhabitants, it has no services, so you will be out in the bracing open air for many hours.
Meet the people of Sommarøy
One of the nicest things about Sommarøy is meeting the people. You will find them in the shop, where there is a café area set aside for the men. It is known as the 'Kaillkråa'. As it is mostly the women who do all the shopping, the men are left in the Kaillkråa, where they each have a hook with their name on where their coffee cups hang. A couple of the old gals from the community also frequent the Kaillkråa. The handicraft 'Husflidsutsalget' shop is another interesting place to visit. You can buy 'Sjyvotta' mittens here, that have a thumb on both sides, so that when the mitten becomes worn or dirty, one has only to switch sides.
Brensholmen - an old cultural landscape
Sommarøy is a recent addition to the cultural trail, whereas the cultural landscape of Brensholmen is one of the oldest in the region of Troms. The farmers of this rich farming community can barely put a spade in the ground without their having to call Tromsø museum with yet another find from the Iron Age. In Sandvika, on the northern side of the village, there is a fine and isolated crescent-shaped beach. There are many burial mounds here, as well as the sites of some large Stone Age houses. However, you really have to know what archeological evidence to look for; most of the visitors to the beach remain totally unawares.


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SIGNL4 is a 'mobile-first' and cloud solution that automatically notifies teams in case of critical events. Drop an email, call a webhook and SIGNL4 reliably notifies active staff on duty through persistent mobile push, text and voice with acknowledgement, tracking and escalation. SIGNL4 provides for an up to 10x faster response to critical alerts, major incidents and urgent service requests. It complements Azure IoT, Azure Monitor, OMS, Log Analytics, Dynamics 365.
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Care Services
We provide non-medical home care ranging from hourly and respite care through overnight and live-in care. So whether your loved one could benefit from a few hours of conversation, help with the household chores, or 24/7 assistance with personal and household care, we can help!
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