Florence + The Machine will open the Vivid LIVE festival at the Sydney Opera House, performing in the band’s largest incarnation to date with 40 musicians as the city becomes transformed by lights.
With all of the rain we’ve had in the UK over the last couple of weeks a few days staying in a hut might be a hard sell but we’re hopeful for the sunshine and these huts do look cute!
Paris might be the city of romance but heading there with friends is as much fun as going with a partner. Once the overwhelming urge to wince every time a Parisian couple smooch right infront of you has passed you can forget about the romance and take in the sights which are much easier on the eye.
Here’s a rundown of our 3 favourite places to enjoy with friends…
If you wish to be a true Brum Belle, your best bet is a trip on the Northern Belle – an exquisite Orient Express train evoking ultimate luxury from the thirties, the Golden Age of travel. Pulling into the station, it’s unmistakable in its rich chocolate and gold painted exterior, brass-capped table lamps light the windows hinting at the majestic craftsmanship that waits inside.
Northern Ireland’s (N.I) awe-inspiring rugged scenery and eating far too much delectable food really can leave one speechless. Whether you are looking for a quiet, romantic weekend away or a wild night out with friends, N.I. provides the perfect environment for every occasion. Only a short plane ride away with BMI Baby, you can be enjoying Guinness in while taking in breathtaking landscapes in a matter of hours.
Jazz Brunch at the Palace Cafe on Canal is a great way to start the day. Especially with a Bloody Mary.
A brilliant way to see the city, get orientated and watch a few movies clips is by joining Jonathan’s New Orleans Movie Tour. He’ll point out the spot where Elvis sang on a Balcony in King Creole, he’ll show you the parking lot where Nicholas Cage was filthy in Bad Lieutenant and you’ll even get to see where current blockbusters are being made - and even spot a star if you’re lucky.
If you enjoy the food in New Orleans there are plenty of places to pick up seasoning to add to your dishes at home.
Another Jazz Brunch Favourite is the beautiful Court of Two Sisters. A huge buffet is ready for you to take on with American and Creole classics. Enjoy Jambalaya, Turtle Soup and the tastiest Bread Pudding - all swilled down with a glass of Champagne of course.
With the sun out and the lilac Wisteria above you’ll be hard pushed to find a better spot to enjoy your food than the outdoor courtyard of the Court of Two Sisters.
Beautifully crafted wrought iron gates and balconies cover the buildings of New Orlean’s French Quarter.
You’ll see the french Fleur-de-Lis all over New Orleans which is the symbol of the city.
Popular Bourbon Street gets pretty packed with tourists - especially at night when you are actively encouraged to work down the road with a beer or cocktail in hand! You can go from bar to bar taking your drink (bought in another bar) with you!
Head to Magazine - a long road that is peppered with Antique stores, Vintage clothing shops and Box Paper Scissor - the best stationary shop we’ve ever seen.
For authentic Creole Cuisine then Mr B’s Bistro on Royal serves up huge portions of New Orlean’s favourites.
The only street food vendors are Lucky Dogs. We didn’t try one due to being unable to fit in any more food after several Jazz Brunches but we hear they are pretty tasty.
This year 14-22 April 2012 is when Italy throws open its doors to some of its greatest museums, palaces and archaeological sites for free, as well as hosting special events, concerts, talks and exhibitions. It’s the 14 year of Culture Week ‘Settimana dei Bene Culturali’ and the cities of Florence, Venice, Rome and Milan are all headlining this year.
Soaking up the lush greenness of the fields as the road cuts through farmland from Knock Airport we pass stone clad walls, cattle, lochs and plenty of hills in the distance on our way to Sligo. While the trees are naked of leaves and the grey sky broods under the weight of threatening rain the ‘wild, wet, west of Ireland’, as our guide describes it, rolls before us striking a stunning backdrop.
