Travelling allsorts

Before Hong Kong was handed back to the Chinese, we had visited a young relative in Hong Kong, who rented a small apartment in a high-rise block in the city centre, close to the waterfront. Space here is a premium and was used very creatively. On entering the apartment, the double bedroom was on the right. It was two metres (the length of the bed) by two metres (the width of a small double bed plus enough room at the side of the bed for a ladder and to stand get dressed). The bed was a high bunk with a storage area below and there was a narrow wardrobe next to it, at the opposite end from the sliding bedroom door. The lounge/diner/kitchen was not much larger. The built-in benches and table just about accommodated four people. It was situated under the other half of the bed, behind the storage. The rest of the room contained a mini kitchen range and a lounge area filled with a 2-seater sofa. The bathroom had a small wash basin, a wc-bidet and a full room-width one-metre sit-in b...

2013 On behalf of a bride and groom, the manager of the hotel where we were staying in Mauritius ,  island of the former dodo, invited us to a wedding. We're not sure why the couple had no friends or family with them to share their memories, and the subject didn't come up. Another couple we know saved up for a round-the-world trip and decided to get married in Fiji - no family or friends for them either. They had enough money either to do the trip of a lifetime or to splash out on a single day so they chose the 'honeymoon' option. The difficulty with inviting people to such an event is the cost, of course. Anyway, back to Île Maurice - it was one of the friendliest islands we'd ever visited. Another being St Lucia (see below for that story). For example, when we needed petrol for our hire car and the garage didn't accept credit cards, a complete stranger offered to lend us the cash! In December, the weather is perfect and you can see the magnificent red ...

We've just returned from a Wedding in Bristol, where a few hours were squeezed in visiting the centre with its many shops and a stroll through the park to the relative calm of the River Avon. We were booked in at the Marriott Hotel, which was very central, together with several other Wedding guests. The hotel was mostly excellent except for the dreadful coffee served at breakfast and an endless wait for one of the three lifts. It was next to a multi-storey car park that guests could use at a much reduced rate. The wedding took place at one of the numerous churches that Bristol seems to have. The wedding 'breakfast' at 5.30 in the afternoon was vegetarian or chicken curry followed by unusual flavours of hand-made ice-creams. In the evening, the party moved to The Trinity Centre, a short walk from the hotel, along Old Market Street - not the most salubrious area but well away from housing, therefore noise from the live bands was not a problem! On Sunday, the hottest ...

We've done both. Christmas is great with all the snow for the kids to play in but it's best if you can arrange for family or friends to stay in the same resort - the same villa, if possible, otherwise another apartment in the same block. The first time we stayed in La Plagne  (French Alps) many years ago with a bunch of friends, all on a tight budget, and we shared a two-room apartment which slept six when using a sofa-bed.  The last time, we were in a large apartment with three bedrooms; ourselves and our friends, each family having one child at primary school. We spent Christmas there, plenty of snow! After dark, there were candlelight events which looked spectacular.  In February, there is more likelihood of snow and, being higher up than the clouds (sometimes) means that there is plenty of sunshine so don't forget the factor 50 - especially for the children's fair skin. It is still quite expensive, too, as school holidays always are. La Plagne is a great choice. Upd...

The London Eye was a spectacular Catherine Wheel and the Thames reflected colours majestically. What else can London offer visitors in the winter months? London is one of the best cities to be in if you are planning a break and can't predict the weather. There is always warmth and entertainment within metres of wherever you find yourself - whether it's Covent Garden , Borough Market , Harrods, a river cruise or other tourist attraction. Here are a couple of favourites: London Transport Museum , Covent Garden (don't let the dull website put you off) London Film Museum . Covent Garden / South Bank If you can't get to London for the Fireworks and you are hosting your own event for family and friends, stay safe! Fireworks: The Law Fire & Rescue Service advice At the time of writing (2012), fireworks are available to buy from 15th October until 10th November and from 26th December until 31st December. Additionally, for Chinese New Year and Diwali, on the ...

With Halloween creeping up on us you might like to have a peep through your fingers at my favourite British chocolatier, Hotel Chocolat’s ghoulishly gorgeous Halloween goodies. Whether you’re planning a party, having a quiet night in behind the sofa, or bracing yourself for an army of trick or treaters – you’ll find the very best selection of mouth watering scary treats! Hotel Chocolat have a true passion for chocolate, they even own their own cocoa plantation, Rabot Estate in St.Lucia . If you haven’t tasted their delights Halloween is the perfect excuse as they have a fun range of spooky chocolate boxes that will be sure to keep your little monsters quiet! Camilla, 2012

discount tickets available Just got back from the slopes in time to tell you about this years UK Aware event being held at Olympia this weekend. UK AWARE is now firmly established as the UK's 'must attend' green event. With sexy green supercars, beauty makeovers, fashion shows, a kids area, business advice and thousands of green products and services on show, it can offer you a complete solution for contemporary sustainable living....something we feel passionate about. Last year our team had an amazing time meeting lots of like-minded people & businesses so if you're around London this weekend make it a date for your diary and come and join in the fun! Camilla, 2010