It was supposed to be a short six day break in my favourite city but turned into a twelve day holiday. You probably would have heard about Iceland’s temperamental Eyjafjallajokull volcano deciding to spew ash into the flight space above Europe from April onwards this year-ruining many a traveller’s holiday and leaving thousands of others stranded and at the mercy of their credit cards. Well it happened to me and my wife the day we tried to leave Rome and return home. Being stranded isn’t a pleasant experience -you feel a certain vulnerability when you realise you have no options. Although having said that I can think of much worse places to be stuck!

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After we eventually got back home I caught one of the many ongoing Ash Cloud news reports and I realised we could have easily been camping out at the airport-we were definitely one of the lucky ones. Here’s how we coped and how we used the time uncovering some of Rome’s cultural hidden gems:

No room at the inn

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At first we were pretty excited about having an extended stay in this beautiful city but then the excitement turned to slight panic about the extra money we would be having to spend and hadn’t budgeted for. We’d been staying with a friend but decided imposing on them for an extra six days could really test our friendship! Roma Rentals website turned out to be life saver and in not much time at all found a lovely apartment on the outskirts of Trastevere which was perfect for the two of us. Although by now we getting more than a bit worried about the cost of our beloved dogs residing in some expensive kennels and the airport car park charges were also racking up at €7.50 each day. I could have kicked myself for not taking out any travel insurance…

Food and drink

We also had to look at our limited budget and factor in the extra costs of eating and drinking. Some restaurants in Rome are reasonably priced so we knew if we were a bit savvy about this we could just about manage. We begrudgingly had to give up the 30 euros bottles of wine we had been previously enjoying in the touristy but classy Campo di Fiori and swap to a 2 euro version in La Cantina di Bracco in Trastevere.

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This restaurant was a great place – here you can choose your wine and they put it into plastic bottles and charge you by the litre. We also made the most of the shops where they sell slices of fresh (and delicious) pizza and pasta by weight and a great cheap restaurant Antica Osteria da Giovanni (Via della Lungara, 41a) where they only charge 5 euros for a main course. Thankfully we didn’t have to starve…

Passing the time being culture vultures

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We had plenty of time on our hands waiting for the ash to clear and decided it would be foolish not to use this time wisely in this culturally and historically rich city. Having previously lived in Rome for some time we had already seen all the main sites quite a few time over so we decided to visit a few places not on the major tourist trail. First stop was Villa Farnesina, an incredible renaissance building on Via della Lungara which was completed in 1510, the Villa has wonderful frescos on display by artists including Raphael, Sebastiano del Piombo and Il Sodoma.

During the next few days we also managed to squeeze in visits to Galleria Corsini where there was a gallery with an impressive collection of 18th-century furniture, ancient and modern sculpture and art and the impressive and tranquil Botanical Gardens (Largo Cristina di Svezia, 24) which was a welcome relaxing escape from all the fumey mopeds flying around the city.

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The overall cultural highlight was a visit to two different galleries; the first was the Caravaggio Exhibition which celebrated the 400th anniversary of the artist’s death. We got there early but still had to queue for about two hours but as you’ll probably agree from the photo it was definitely worth the effort. A couple of days later we then headed to Palazzo delle Esposizioni where we saw “Nature According to De Chirico”. This was another excellent exhibition; there were more than a hundred paintings from public and private collections.

Slowly running out of money

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As funds grew low we were forced to find alternative ways to spend the extra days. This wasn’t difficult – Rome is the perfect city to sit outside in bars and cafes in Piazzas reading and watching the world go by. We found an excellent English bookshop that had a wide range of books in English and also friendly staff that were more than happy to provide recommendations of places to visit and what to do. Should you be in Rome and have a need for a book then visit Almost Corner Bookstore (Via del Moro 45, Trastevere).

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Okay so we did spend a lot more money than we had planned but overall it was a pretty exciting and memorable experience and I got to see much more of Rome than I normally get to see. Maybe volcanic ash isn’t so bad after all…

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My trip to Grand Cayman coincided with the fun, colourful but slightly surreal Pirate festival and also the very surreal aftermath of the unforgiving hurricane Ivan. Despite the devastation I was struck by the deep warmth and friendliness of the islanders and also how they pulled together to overcome the destruction of their beautiful home, on my trip here it occurred to me other nations could learn a lot from this happy-go-lucky attitude. As well as proud and charming people, this tiny island nestled in the deepest part of the Caribbean also offers so much more.

Festivals

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Firstly I would say if you can, overlap your trip to Grand Cayman with a festival. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Aside from the fun and colourful 10 day Pirate festival in November there are many other annual festivals on Grand Cayman and the surrounding islands. This includes the April Cayfest, this is a celebration of all things Caribbean from local art, to music and dance. Culture and history are immersed in the islanders daily lives and I strongly believe that’s part of the reason how they made such a spectacular recovery from Hurricane Ivan.

Cayman cuisine

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The Caymanians are particularly proud of their cuisine, every second or third building is a restaurant or eatery and the food is incredible. You cannot leave the Carribean without sampling their world-famous seafood. My favourite Seafood restaurant was the Cracked Conch, the views of the ocean are unrivalled and they also serve some of the best food in Grand Cayman- from local conch to pan-seared swordfish. The Lobster Pot is also worth a mention, it has long held an outstanding reputation for serving the most delectable local food, from its eponymous lobster to the local Mahi Mahi (dolphin-fish). For those looking for something a bit more traditional there is always The Grand Old House which combines elegance, old world style with a hundred year old reputation for serving excellent international dishes with a Caribbean flair. The English Room harks back to the colonial days, as Grand Cayman was once an English colony and therefore embodies all things quintessentially British with old world charm and opulence.

Shopping

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Georgetown is the capital of Grand Cayman and the best shopping location, however by shopping I mean meandering through local art and craft stores, as many islanders go to neighbouring Miami for shopping centres! The Cayman Craft Market is open almost daily and affords visitors the opportunity to pick up unique souvenir from their trip to the island. However, while bringing home shell jewellery and Caymanian birdhouses are fantastic mementos, no one should leave the island without tasting some of the local rum cake. The Tortuga Rum Company located in Georgetown sells most of the islands rum, coffee and delicious rum cakes, and this should be your first port of call. You should also take advantage of the islands duty-free status in one of the numerous jewellery shops (including Cartier). I also recommend visiting the farmers market where you can pick up jars of local chutneys, spices and sauces to bring a Caymanian flair to your own home cooked meals.

Activities Caribbean style

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Grand Cayman is one of the best diving and water sports resorts in the world. Head for Rum Point, historically a smugglers haven but is now adorned with cute little restaurants serving fresh seafood straight off the boat, hammocks and clear turquoise waters-holiday perfection.

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The Pedro St. James Castle, the oldest structure in Cayman is a must see as well as the Turtle Farm. The idea behind the farm is an ecological effort to prevent the over-fishing of turtles in the wild and repopulate the oceans diminishing Green Sea Turtle. In the last number of years the farm has successfully released over 40,000 turtles into the wild.

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Also while here, make sure you take a trip to Hell! Hell is the name affectionately given to the area around the West side of the island where millions of years of erosion have left the landscape with a barren and blackened look. However, in true juxtaposition it’s also one of the most beautiful sites you will see on Grand Cayman.

Out of this world beaches

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It would be remiss of me, to talk the Caribbean without mentioning the spectacular beaches. Grand Cayman’s most impressive is Seven Mile Beach, and as the name suggests it’s seven miles of never ending idyllic sandy terrain. It is in fact, the longest beach in the Caribbean and it is the perfect place to take in the amazing views of the ocean and relax after a day’s sight seeing. I would also take a day trip to the sister islands Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which are each in their own right a little slice of paradise, teeming with stunning natural resources and wildlife.

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There is more to Grand Cayman than beautiful beaches and scenery, the island’s history and culture are prevalent and its media reputation for being a haven for corrupt businessmen and bankers is unfair. In the face of the Hurricane Ivan disaster the people of Grand Cayman proved to be a formidable force in themselves and their attitude in the wake of the hurricane is a testament to a nation of who want nothing more than to give visitors a true taste of the Caribbean so they never forgot the surreal yet blissful paradise which is Grand Cayman.

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The Red Sea is seen as one of the most spectacular diving destinations in the world and it certainly lives up to its reputation. With year round crystal clear and warm water it has something to offer everyone. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned diver, an underwater world of adventure awaits you.

The Worldwide Wildlife Federation has even labelled the Red Sea as an area of conservation, according it the status of “Marine Ecoregion”. It’s easy to see why when you consider the 1,200 different species of fish, some 1,000 invertebrates and 200 hard and soft water coral species that call the sea home. The latter forming a vibrant patchwork quilt of breathtaking structural formations playing host to some of the most exotic inhabitants of the ocean.

Let’s take a look at the top 5 Red Sea dives off the coast if Egypt:

1. SS Thistlegorm wreck

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This military vessel sank in October 1941 in the Gulf of Suez carrying jeeps, armoured gun carriers, trucks, rifles and sizeable cargo of Wellington boots (still to be seen). One of the world’s most popular diving sites and a spectacular underwater adventure. The ship is accessible through a huge explosion hole in the 120 metre hull giving you views of the giant tuna and schooling barracuda that now frequent the wreck. One to see before it’s too late as she is deteriorating fast.

2. Giannis D wreck

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This cargo ship sank in the Straits of Gubal in April 1983 after striking a reef. Resting at a shallow 27 metres in depth this is an easily accessible wreck which is largely intact.

You can still access the engine room and accommodation which is now home to a variety of marine life including the rather prickly Crown of Thorns Starfish. Nearby a reef abundant with fish (many of which have crossed over to the wreck too) and spectacular coral makes for an interesting diversion.

3. Steamship SS Dunraven wreck

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This 80 metre long Victorian sail and steam ship sank in 1876 in the Gulf of Suez, coming to rest in 28 metres of water upside down. Her cargo consisting of cotton, timber and spices from India and bound for Liverpool.

The cave like hull of the ship is still intact allowing you to enter and swim through, observing the collapsed metal work which is now home to Yellow Goat fish and Giant Morays. Outside the wreck you’ll find a large variety of marine life which includes the Bat fish and very rare Ghost pipe fish, making for a brilliant underwater photo opportunity.

4. Carnatic wreck

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This P&O passenger ship sank on the Sha’ab Abu Nuhas reef in September 1869. Measuring 90 metres long the ship was also carrying a precious cargo of cotton bails, wine and over £40,000 in Royal Mint gold, although you won’t find any gold now as this was recovered immediately afterwards.

Despite the length of time this wreck has been submersed it will not disappoint and, for its age, is one of the finest examples in the world. The wreck has been colonised over time by various species of coral and has her own indigenous reef fish population including Lion fish and Grouper. The interior has also been colonised by Glass fish making this wreck a dream come true for photographers.

5. Ras Mohammed National Park

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Finally, no diving experience in the Red Sea could be complete without visiting the spectacular reefs within this area of protection. The striking tapestries of colour provided by the marine life and abundant coral make a stark contrast to the barren desert which borders the park on land.

Easily accessible from Sharm El Sheikh, the park includes an Eel garden along with a large stretch of vertical coral walls (”Main Beach”) and a newly opened reef (Marsa Bareika) which contains superior coral specimens along with barracudas and snappers (with the odd shark or two). The calm, clear water makes this an easy diving location for the beginner.

The above represent only a few of the beautiful and awe-inspiring diving hotspots that are waiting to be experienced in the Red Sea. No visit to Egypt could be complete without a visit to what has to be one of the best diving locations in the world.

Author: Chris Rowlands from the Egypt holidays team (travelsupermarket)

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What could be better than seeing the world while competing in a series of marathons offering a $1 million prize purse?

On 23rd January 2006, the World Marathon Majors launched a championship-style competition that includes races in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. If you’re asking the question why would anyone in their right mind undertake a marathon, much less take vacation time to do it? Then the answer would be found in the countless studies citing the positive effects of exercise and holidays on our health.

Health Studies

The American College of Sports Medicine found that regular long-distance running can help prevent the metabolic syndrome (a group of diseases that can lead to cardiovascular disease and diabetes) It is also reported that an annual vacation can cut the risk of a heart attack by 50 percent and blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of epinephrine (a stress hormone) decline on holidays of only one or two days!

Photo: bass_nroll

The Races

Boston -
The 114th B.A.A Marathon will take place on Monday 19th April 2010

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon and part of the World Marathon Majors. A maximum of 25,000 participants begin in Hopkinton and run the legendary course through eight cities and towns before finishing in Boston’s Back Bay.

London -
The 2010 Virgin London Marathon will take place on Sunday 25th April 2010

Elite runners compete for a portion of £150,000, while the fairly flat, city landscape and spring climate combine to provide the best backdrop for posting records – personal, national and world.

Berlin -
The 37th real Berlin Marathon will take place on 25th/26th September 2010

40,000 runners and around 8,000 inline skaters will fill the streets of the German capital on the last weekend in September. The course is known as the fastest in the world, the crowds are legendary and the atmosphere is hard to top at this most international marathon in Europe.

Chicago -
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday 10th October 2010

This race has a field of 4200 runners and is among the fastest growing marathon road races in the world mainly due to the fast and flat course which attracts many in the pursuit of personal records and world record performances.

New York -
The Ing New York City Marathon will take place on 7th November 2010

One of the world’s great road races drawing in 90,000 applicants. The race attracts many world-class professional athletes, not only for the more than $500,000 in prize money, but also for the chance to excel in the media capital of the world before two million cheering spectators and 300 million worldwide television viewers.

More information on the World Marathon Majors.

For more information on how to train for a marathon or for a personalised training programme please contact info@milestonepersonaltraining.com

Camille Brandon
Director of Results
Milestone Personal Training

Camille Brandon is GlobalGrasshopper’s newly appointed Health & Fitness Travel Expert. Camille is a Master Trainer and Functional Movement Screen Specialist with in-depth expertise of weight management, strength and sports conditioning, and rehabilitation and exercise referral joins. She also is very well travelled!

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Some call it the highest mountain in South East Asia (although they would be wrong). Some call it the easiest “proper” mountain to climb (in my experience, I’d say they were wrong too). Some call it an unmissable highlight of their trip to Borneo (they however, would be right on the money).

At a whisker below 4100 metres, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea. It’s also the single most popular attraction on Borneo, an island with an amazingly diverse range of natural wonders, from virgin jungle and rare wildlife to world class diving and one of the biggest network of caves in the world.

 I began my journey in sleepy Brunei and made the trip via a bus to Kota Kinabalu, (the nearest major town). From there we headed into the Malaysian territory of Sarawak, then back into Brunei, filling in exit and entry forms as we go, and collecting an entry and exit stamp each time we cross a border. After a day of travelling backwards and forwards into different regions of Malaysia I’d collected 8 stamps on my passport! I’d also seen Transporter 3 for the third time in a week, courtesy of the onboard “entertainment” system.

On arrival I immediately realised the mountain was worth the journey. The thermal tops, winter gloves, and hiking poles I’d been lugging around Western Australia for the past few weeks suddenly didn’t seem such a burden after all. I started the climb and then rested and slept at a height of 3600 metres. This was definitley a mistake and one I probably could have avoided.

Upon waking at 1.30am, I had a headache that felt someone had embedded a large axe into my skull, my fingers felt like they had been replaced with icicles and I found it almost impossible to breathe. Luckily, a fellow hiker came to my rescue with some strong painkillers and I began the slow but steady trek to the summit for sunrise.

After four hours of being guided by moonlight, the sun began to rise and I eventually reached the tiny and crowded summit. By this time my hands were almost too numb to take a picture and my head was still throbbing, but I quickly forgot my pain. The awesome views and the sense of achievement was overwhelming. I fully appreciated the grandeur of the mountain as I looked down below at the tiny visions that were the people still pulling themselves up the rope. It was a weird feeling knowing I would soon be joining them, albeit on the easier journey back down…

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So, when I tell people I spent part of my summer this year travelling to a remote part (on a peninsula) of a remote state (Western Australia) in one of the furthest countries it’s possible to go to from London, in order to snorkel face to face with a 5 metre whale shark, the look on people’s faces falls somewhere between shock and intrigue. Is it a whale, or is it a shark?

In truth, these enormous creatures are the gentle giants of the sea – big enough that they have no natural predators, yet feeding on nothing larger than tiny plankton, and certainly not concerned with trying to eat a ginger-bearded English backpacker. After months of research and preparation, I pre-booked a trip with King’s Ningaloo Reef Tours, and the research proved invaluable – for a true once-in-a-lifetime experience like this you want to make sure you’re going out with a professional crew, and King’s were fantastic.

I chose to go from Exmouth, though other companies also go from Coral Bay on the same peninsula, an even sleepier town than Exmouth. Although Australia’s west coast isn’t as developed or as visited as it’s east coast, for natural beauty it has many trump cards. I was also happy for the hordes to remain on the east while I enjoyed arguably the country’s greatest asset, Ningaloo Reef.

A morning “practice” snorkel on the reef shows it to be the wonder it truly is. Warm turquoise waters, abundant fish, healthy coral and the stunning whale sharks themselves – there is little to compare to snorkelling with such a massive but peaceful mammal, making me feel like an insignificant blot on the face of evolution. Our boat carried a maximum of 20 people, and only 10 of us were allowed in the water at any one time, 5 each side of the Dive Master – the theory being she would spot it and the whale shark would swim between us.

At the cry of “whale shark!” though, 10 of us jump in and there is a commotion of flippers and bubbles, while I try to look for the Dive Master, the whale shark and the boat all at the same time. Out of the blue, it appears (how something this big appears to sneak up on me is a great unsolved mystery), and bizarrely I felt calm, not panicked, and utterly in awe. It swims fast, and I try to keep up – even though the total time I spend with the whale shark is barely a few minutes, and I’ve travelled thousands of miles to do so, it feels genuinely like a highlight of my entire life. Now, how often does anyone get to say that?

See Lee’s underwater video footage on YouTube

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