The Dylan Thomas Centenary Year is the perfect time to visit Wales!

 

The words, ‘Do not go gentle into that good night,’ used to send shivers down my spine and throw me right back to my school days. But I’ll never forget that it was Dylan Thomas who wrote the poem or that it was about the death of his father. I recently set off on an Odyssey to discover more about the man and the myth in South Wales. The town of Swansea, where Dylan was born, has also given us Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey. It is set up for a revival, and the old docks that once were filled with coal ships now offer an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars.

I started at the Dylan Thomas Centre which is a small but accessible museum set in the Old Guild Hall. It holds a host of letters and information about Dylan and his life in Wales, London and where he met his tragic end in the infamous Chelsea Hotel in New York. It is an interesting place to get a picture of the poet’s life and hear his recorded work on the interactive displays. I was especially intrigued by the beautiful illustration of his play for voices, ‘Under Milk Wood’, which was recently re-recorded by famous Welsh stars, including Charlotte Church, Sir Tom and Cerys Matthews.

5 Cwmdonkin Drive is the home where Dylan was born and lived for much of his life. It has been carefully and authentically restored by the Haden’s who make it available for rent on a Bed and Breakfast basis and it would be a wonderful treat to send a fan of the poet here for an overnight break. The Thomas’ Maid was alive until a few years ago and she was able to describe the décor of the house from Dylan’s time in great detail, so it is a genuine trip into the past. Dylan’s tiny bedroom looks as if he stepped outside for a moment. It is complete with images of him and his first girlfriend and authors who inspired him, including our own Joyce and Yeats.

Cwmdonkin Park is close by the house, and it is here that the young Dylan ran in the open spaces and here that recitals will be happening all this year to commemorate the poet – especially during this the centenary of his birth.

Don’t leave Swansea without taking a trip out to the Mumbles – a suburb set at the mouth of the sea where there are a host of beautiful restaurants and bars which Thomas and the people of Swansea went to enjoy their leisure time. I dined in ‘Patricks With Rooms’ and was blown away by the presentation and cuisine which included Laver bread (a substance similar to seaweed and mentioned in Under Milk Wood).

It is impossible to make a pilgrimage to Dylan Thomas country without visiting the small town of Laugharne, pronounced Larne. The scenic route to take from Swansea is via the Gower Peninsula. The Gower is criss-crossed with winding roads and ditches filled with wild-garlic and bluebells. Along the way you can see Llanstefan and the landscape that inspired his poems, such as ‘Fern Hill’. The town of Laugharne has long been credited as the inspiration for Dylan’s ‘Under Milk Wood,’ and if you visit Brown’s Hotel Bar on a Saturday night you may be able to spot a few of the characters who appear to be alive and well and enjoying the local brew at the counter.    

I dined later in The Cors Restaurant, a quirky eatery with delicious cuisine. Set among exquisite gardens, The Cors also offers accommodation and is well worth a visit if in the locality. An interesting pilgrimage linked closely to Dylan’s ‘Poem in October’ traces the route he took on the morning of his thirtieth birthday. Bob Stevens is the creator of this excursion and it is a delightful way to follow the steps that Thomas walked himself. But you mustn't leave laughaurne without visiting the Boathouse where Dylan and his tempestuous wife Caitlin lived towards the end of his life. The actual shed where he worked is reconstructed and set in a magnificent horseshoe cove.

 The Boathouse at the water’s edge is now a visitor's centre and tea rooms and must be seen. Dylan Thomas is laid to rest in the grounds of St Martin’s church – only a short stroll from Brown’s Hotel. His grave is marked by a brightly painted white cross. Even if you are not a fan of poetry the fabulous Bluestone Park Resort is close by and a wonderful base for families who are looking for a fun and adventurous place to stay. It might be nice to combine a visit to Laugharne and bring a little culture into a family holiday.

I returned to Cardiff to catch my flight home with my head full of poetry but there was still so much to see and do. Cardiff Castle is a remarkable museum with some of the finest examples of decor from the Arts and Crafts Victorian movement. Created at a time in the nineteenth century when the owner, The Marquis of Bute, was the richest man in the world. Just outside the castle is the main shopping street and a covered market with quaint shops and boutiques.

Whether you decide to fly into Cardiff or take the ferry from Rosslare, Wales is only a stone’s throw across the pond and well worth a visit this summer.

www.visitwales.com

www.dylanthomasbirthdaywalk.co.uk

www.thecors.co.uk

For information on upcoming events to celebrate the centenary of Dylan Thomas see www.dylanthomas.com

www.bluestonewales.com

WOW Royal Caribbean take cruising into the future!

I received this press release from Royal Caribbean about their new Quantum class ships which will be of special interest to all those who love technology and social networking! I especially like the idea of my cocktails being made by a robot and with the new interior cabin decor now everyone has a view of the ocean.

This may well be the perfect ship to try cruising if you are not already a fan!

FOR THE SMOOTHEST TRIP, SAIL THE SMARTEST SHIP – ROBOTS AND NEW TECHNOLOGY DELIVER HASSLE-FREE HOLIDAYS

Royal Caribbean International’s new Quantum class ships take technology to a new level with a whole host of cruise industry firsts including RFID (Radio-frequency identification) luggage tracking, the fastest internet at sea, oh, and robots working behind the bar…

Tech-savvy modern holidaymakers will be blown away by new ship Quantum and Anthem of the Seas, which seamlessly incorporates new levels of digital technology across all of its on-board spaces, providing holidaymakers with the most technologically driven holiday in the world.

Video available click link here

Boatloads of bandwidth keep guests connected; easy-to-use systems expand guest choices and simplify schedules; and radio-frequency identification RFID technology speeds the boarding process and allows guests to keep track of their luggage every step of the way.

The Quantum class ships earn their ‘SMART’ credentials in six different areas thanks to innovative customer-centred technology including:

1.    SMART Check-In:  From shoreside to ship in record time

A Quantum-class holiday begins at home, where guests can generate boarding documents online, upload their own security photo, and receive digital boarding confirmations.  By the time they arrive at the cruise terminal for departure, Royal Caribbean guests can go from “shoreside to ship” in 10 minutes with no check-in counter to navigate and no lines to stand in.

Guests will be able to track luggage in real time on their smartphones.  Luggage will be tagged shoreside with RFID technology at drop-off, and guests can monitor their bags’ progress through key points en route to the stateroom.  On departure, the process is reversed.   

2.    SMART Concierge: Flexibility at your fingertips

Quantum and Anthem of the Seas will offer new RFID WOWband wristbands, which require only a simple tap to quickly navigate the ship, make onboard purchases and serve as the room key. 

Simplicity and efficiency are also at the heart of two new apps that put guests in charge of their cruise choices: Cruise Planner, which allows guests to research and book dining reservations, shore excursions, spa appointments and more before their holiday begins; and “Royal iQ,” available as a downloadable app and provided at freestanding iQ stations around the ship. “Royal iQ” allows guests to manage details during the cruise, includes a convenient calendar that provides at-a-glance views of their bookings and reservations and allows guests to keep in touch with one another and home.

3.    SMART Connect: Downloads at the speed of modern life

Quantum class ships will operate with industry leading bandwidth, using a new generation of low, mid-Earth-orbit satellites, launched by tech partner O3b Networks. With speeds that match fast broadband connections onshore, guests can be online 24/7, no matter what personal device they bring onboard.  Guests can watch streaming video, check email, share images on social media and enjoy face-to-face video conversations – even in the middle of the Ocean.

In yet another first for the industry, Quantum and Anthem of the Seas’ connectivity makes it possible for one of the SeaPods in SeaPlex to become a live global video gaming suite where guests can enjoy Xbox Live and compete with other gamers worldwide or on other Royal Caribbean ships.

4.    SMART Experiences: Shaking martinis and spinning screens

Technology also powers surprise-and-delight elements on Quantum class ships. A brand new venue,

Bionic Bar is the first bar with robot bartenders not just at sea, but anywhere in the world.  It is a must-try interactive experience whereby guests order via tablets and then have fun watching the robotic bartenders hard at work mixing and delivering cocktails of choice

Robots drive another entertaining feature on Quantum and Anthem of the Seas.  Two70 is home to a troupe of six Roboscreens that stage surprise performances during every cruise, creating scenes while soaring and twisting solo, or uniting as one. Guests will also experience Vistarama, which transforms its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows into any scene, real or imagined, by combining 18 projectors to create an ambient surface over 100 feet wide and over 20 feet tall. Across this expanse, impromptu digital shows come to life in stunning 12K resolution providing the audience with 270 degree views.

The Quantum class ships take advantage of technology in functional forms as well.  Guest staterooms are equipped with device-charging USB outlets, as well as energy efficient and environmentally friendly lighting systems. Interior accommodations are outfitted with Virtual Balconies that display real-time sights and sounds of the sea through 80-inch LED screens, ensuring every stateroom has a view.

5.    SMART Service: Crew can connect better with guests – and with home

The technology benefits of Quantum and Anthem of the Seas extend to the ship’s crew.  Custom apps will allow crew members to keep better track of guests’ tastes and preferences, allowing staff to tailor their already remarkably personalised service to an even higher degree.  Whether a guest prefers gluten-free dining, early show seating, or shiatsu massage, the features of the smart ship allow crew members to anticipate every need.

And the ship’s remarkable capabilities give the company an opportunity to make life better for crew members too, since Royal Caribbean will present every crew member on Quantum and Anthem of the Seas with a free, personal Microsoft tablet, with a suite of services and apps that is theirs to keep.  And as technology upgrades are made across the company’s fleet, every shipboard employee in the entire Royal Caribbean International fleet will also receive their own tablet – a total of 40,000 tablets.

6.    SMART Sustainability: Cleaner and greener

Technology has even played a part in making the ship more environmentally friendly.  Sophisticated computer modelling was used to reduce the vessel’s energy consumption with efficient hull configuration, engine design and energy saving devices.  The ship has eliminated the use of incandescent bulbs; all lighting will be provided by low-energy LED or fluorescents.  Motion sensors even dim hallway lighting when no one is present.

Stuart Leven, managing director, Royal Caribbean International, commented:

“Guests onboard our new Quantum class ships will be forgiven for thinking they’ve been transported to the future when they see first-hand all of the incredible technological advancements that have seamlessly been incorporated into the ship and the wider holiday experience.  The new technologies make things possible at sea that could never have been done before. The Robot bartenders, RFID luggage tracking devices and Roboscreens, among others, are complete game-changers for the industry and we’re confident that guests will be blown away when they step onboard.”

The Quantum-class ships, Quantum of the Seas and sister-ship Anthem of the Seas (debuting in Southampton, U.K. in April 2015), will introduce a new set of first-at-sea onboard experiences, such as Ripcord by iFLY, a heart-pounding skydiving experience; North Star, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever.  Guests also will enjoy the new Quantum-class Dynamic Dining, a completely new culinary experience that offers a landscape of 18 restaurant concepts as vast and varied as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, including specialty restaurants created with partner-chefs Jamie Oliver, Devin Alexander and Michael Schwartz.

More information on Quantum class is available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/QuantumoftheSeas.

Seychelles - A family trip to the Garden of Eden

The mere mention of the Seychelles conjures up images of sundrenched beaches with powder-soft-sand and turquoise blue water. It isn’t surprising that Irish brides Jennifer McGuire and Rosanna Davidson choose to enjoy their post nuptials on this delightful archipelago in the Indian Ocean. However, my husband and I are under no pretence that we are embarking on a second honeymoon, as we set off with our ten-year-old daughter, Nicole and teenage son, Mark to see what the Seychelles has to offer families. The kid’s first question – where is the Seychelles? One-thousand miles from Africa’s east coast and a couple of degrees south of the equator. Our mission as a family is to Island hop around four islands and get to meet some giant tortoises. The excitement mounts as I inform the kids that one of the islands we will be visiting is where the Thunderbirds movie was filmed.

We spend our first three nights on popular Beau Vallon Beach which is a good base to explore the Seychelles largest and most populated Island, Mahe. The five-star Savoy hotel boasts the largest swimming pool in the Seychelles, which ticks the boxes for the kids and the adjoining rooms mean privacy for parents! The kids get to fish and try their hands at kayaking but for the more adventurous diving and paragliding is also on offer.

The capital, Victoria, is only a few kilometres away and our first excursion en famille. Named after the British Queen who ruled over the islands in the nineteenth century it’s a thriving town, with high activity around the replica, silver Big Ben clock in the middle of the main street. “It’s a present from the British,” our guide Chris informs us. He’s kitted out in a Liverpool shirt and bonds instantly with my son who has found a kindred spirit. “You should see this place at carnival man...the whole town goes crazy.” Victoria plays host to a colourful carnival every year that rivals Rio. Twenty five countries took part in the festivities last year and it is ever growing. Next year it runs from 24^th – 26^th April and three days of fun filled action for all the family is guaranteed. Chris describes the beautiful girls from around the world wearing little more than feathers and my son already has plans to return someday. “...and we drive on the left side of the road too like the British.” The plug sockets are standard three pin as in the UK and Ireland so there’s no need for a continental adaptor.

First stop is Victoria Market – a bustling centre for all culinary delights. The kids watch aghast as a shark is portioned up at a fish stall. A variety of exotic fruits and foods are on offer and the trip is proving to be an education, even for the adults. The Seychelles is a matriarchal society, with women making up fifty percent of the government and children are adored and well catered for. The locals speak good English, but my son and I can make out a few words of the local Creole, which is a mixture of French and English.

A colourful Hindu temple catches Nicole’s eye as we leave the market. With her camera in hand, she excitedly captures the ceremony being performed by the holy men inside. Most of the Seychellois were converted to Catholicism after the erection of a mission, established by the British in the mid-nineteenth century. The lodge, on one of the islands highest points, is no longer standing but the remaining site is one of the best viewpoints on the island and Chris insists on taking us there – which doesn’t disappoint. A short drive down the hill brings us to Seychelles tea factory on Morne Blanc. Here the kids get to see the entire tea process from picking to blending and bagging in the factory.

After three days we embark on our first island hop. The journey to Praslin, the Seychelles second largest island, takes one hour on the high speed Cat Cocos catamaran. Home to the UNESCO heritage site of Vallée de Mai, the suggestion by some that Praslin is the location of the Biblical Garden of Eden comes as no surprise. This is the only place on the planet where the legendary Coco-de-Mer tree grows in abundance. The kids are quick to point out that the unusual shaped fruit bears a striking resemblance to certain private parts of the human anatomy. Praslin is paradise. Coconuts hang lushly from spindly palms and tiny orange birds, the red-headed forest fody, jump from perch to perch.  On arrival at our hotel, La Domaine de La Reserve, one of these little birds lands on our porch and sings a welcoming tune. It is this kind of interaction with nature that makes us feel instantly chilled. Nicole squeals with delight as a tiny bright-green-lizard, scurries up the wall of our porch.

La Reserve hotel has four special family rooms which are stylishly kitted out with prime views of the private coral beach. Three small steps outside our veranda and we are walking on the coral sand and picking up colourful shells from the turquoise water – a shoal of silver fish brush by our ankles. This hotel is set among unique conditions that are perfect for snorkelling in safety and privacy. Wifi is on offer around the hotel but with a huge swimming pool open all day and night the kids don’t have time for social networking. Night time is spent watching out for shooting stars outside our veranda. With a half board option of varied cuisine the kids love the food. Entertainment follows dinner each evening and our favourite is the Creole evening where the entire family go native and get involved in coconut shelling and traditional dancing. The hotel offers free bike hire and we set off for some wave jumping on Anse Lazio, on what is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in the world. The south east monsoons make May to October the windiest months but it is also the least humid time of year and perfect for the kids.

After two nights on this paradise we set off early with Creole travel on an excursion to Curieuse Island. We are met by ranger Paul – a man who loves his job, and who can blame him. He is guardian of the 200 giant tortoises who roam this once leper colony. Since 1969 it has belonged to the animals and he takes us on a trail of the mangroves and hills from one side of the Island to the doctor’s house on the other side. On route we feast on husks of coconut and berry, while hermit crabs and giant millipedes cross our path. “I made a good crab curry with a fellow like this last night,” Paul beams. We can tell that it was delicious by his description. The already digested bodammier fruit however does not appeal. The giant tortoises feast on this small purple fruit when it falls from the trees but the centre nut is left intact and apparently delicious. However, even the kids are satisfied just to take Paul’s word for it and not tempted to taste when he rips it from the tortoise pooh!

The catamaran anchors for a delicious Creole BBQ and some snorkelling before leaving us off on La Digue. At the end of an exhilarating day we have arrived on our fourth island. The rock formations on La Digue are famous. Pale pink and ochre granite forms, they rest along the crystal shoreline and look like Dali himself sculpted them for our personal pleasure.

Breadfruit hangs on every road verge, ripe for the taking – a versatile fruit that can be compared to our own potato. The breadfruit proves a big hit with Nicole. It can be chipped, boiled, fried, eaten as salad or dessert and lies scattered on the ground. Legend has it that if you eat the breadfruit you will return to the Seychelles – needless to say we schoffed bags of the crunchy fruit that are bought for 60cents each and taste like an exotic crisp. We stay in a small but exquisite family run guest house on this island that is only 5 km long and easily walked around in less than a day. The Cabanas des Anges guest house has a small swimming pool but our crew love the fact that it is right outside our veranda.

The fairy terns dive and swoon in pairs around the clear blue skies – as much a symbol of love as nature can provide. We lose ourselves in this primitive paradise where the locals commute on foot or by bicycle. The alternate mode of taxi is ox and cart and possibly the slowest but most fun way to get around the island. 

We explore the famous Anse Source d’Argent beach and wonder how so many beautiful beaches can be on such a small island. Anse Source d’Argent is also the setting for those dreamy adverts for the Bounty Bar that pop up on our TV on cold winter nights. It’s easy to find a spot to ourselves and suddenly we are the Swiss Family Robinson.  While Nicole and her brother play x’s and o’s on the sand with a piece of driftwood, hubby and I kick back on the sand and pretend we are on a second honeymoon.
The Seychelles is an incredible destination and worth paying that bit extra to experience something truly special for the whole family. With idyllic weather that doesn’t drop below 26* or rise above 33* every month is a perfect time of year to visit. We travelled through the night and with a convenient one stop commute to Dublin airport there were no complaints from the kids. On the cold winter nights the memories of our special time on the Seychelles will keep us warm and the Bounty Bar advert will undoubtedly bring a smile to our faces when it pops up on TV. 

Fact box

  

Seychelles Tourist Office for UK and Ireland

Tel: + 44 (0) 207 730 0700

www.seychelles.travel

Fly to the Seychelles with www.emirates.com

Economy Class return fares, inclusive of all taxes and prices start from:
1. Adult - Euro 704
2. Adult and child aged between 2 - 11 Euro 1271 
These prices are currently available for autumn 2014 and April 2015. 

Creole Travel Services Seychelles

Creole Travel Services can facilitate all aspects of a holiday to Seychelles, from hotel reservations to flights and excursions bookings.

It ensures that clients experiences the true essence of Seychelles through its excursions which operate from Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. You can choose from a selected range of excursions, whether it is romance, adventure or family fun. Or you can even tailor your experience to your own desire.

Oooooklahoma a trip with my Dad!

I have had a wonderful summer so far travelling to new places and I've started to write a new book! I'm behind on my blogging but look out for a feature coming soon in the Irish Mail on Sunday about my time spent in Oklahoma in June. I visited the Red Earth Festival, which is one of the biggest Pow Wows in the country, while I was there.

My dad at Red Earth with some new Indian friends

Chisholm Trail Lookout Point

We started off with a stay at a ranch and fitted in a lot more - I will be posting the article soon but here are some photographs of this amazing state and all that it has to offer.

Trolley ride to feed the cattle

Riding the Range at Island Guest Ranch

My father got very attached to his horse

Ponca city Pioneer woman statue

We ended up in Jail at the western museum in Enid

Then we went south to chickasaw country and made friends with our guide Fran who told us all about her nation.

Then we bought mountain pies at the foot of the Arbuckle mountain range, had time to buy antiques in Commanche, a hat in Stockyard City and finished off with a baseball game in Oklahoma city!

famous fried pies

Commanche

Stockyard city

Chickasaw Baseball Park

Oklahoma is also the state with the largest stretch of Route 66 still in tact and there are plenty of museums and famous sights to see along the way - including the museum of the West where I almost lost Dad!

Ann's Chicken Fry House on Route 66

Spot the real John Wayne

It was such a wonderful trip and I'd recommend to bring anyone who's a fan all things cowboy and Indian!

For more information about Oklahoma see www.travelksok.co.uk/