Barbara Kingstone
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Posts by Barbara Kingstone
Nice – Welcome to the nice life
May 18th
by Subhasish Chakraborty
The Côte d’Azur, popularly referred to as the French Riviera, is ideally located in the Mediterranean coastline of the south eastern part of France. It extends from Menton in the East to Cassis in the West.
Its largest city is Nice – a wonderful French Riviera city, one which is a very popular destination for honeymooners and sun-worshipers. It is a large city, no doubt and finding one’s way in the city can be intimidating to the first time visitor.
As a student of Alliance Francaise de Calcutta, I was provided with an opportunity to visit the French Riveria along with a few of my batch mates. We had all done reasonably well in our final semesters and this trip was to be a test of our language abilities. Nervous we were, but deep inside there was a belief that we were at par with the best in the trade.
From New Delhi we boarded the Air France flight to Paris and from Paris we hopped on to a connecting flight to the city of Nice. Instead of staying in a luxury hotel, we were offered with the option of staying on “Home Stay” mode with a host family. This was indeed a very good idea as we would have a first hand experience of staying with a French family and be exposed to their culture and lifestyle, apart from honing our language skills in this 15-day trip to France.
The rooms were quite spacious with all modern amenities. What really helped was the warm and friendly attitude of our gracious French host. The first few days were spent exploring the local neighborhood and testing our language skills. It took me two days to polish my skills and we would often sit hours together with the host family trying to fathom the beauty and diversity of the French Riveria
We became particularly very fond of the traditional French cuisine and would wait with bated breath for lunch or dinner when the lady of the house would usher us to their elegant dining room. The variety of French seafood recipes that would be cooked for us was something we would never forget. From easy wine braised fillet to bucolic Cajun fish fry…the gastronomic delights on offer made us feel every bit French.
From our frequent interactions with the host family, we were pretty familiar with the historical and geographical importance of Nice. According to Maria Bruni, our gracious host - “The French Riveria was one of the world’s first modern resort region and in the days of yore served as a winter resort, catering to the discerning needs of the upper class Britishers.” The introduction of railways in the 19th century forever changed the destiny of this region. It soon evolved as the playground of the aristocrats and the crème-de-la-crème of the society. From Queen Victoria to the Prince of Wales, the royal families simply loved the French Riviera.
In the first half of the Gradually the place began to evolve and by the 20th century it was a much preferred holiday destination of artists and scholars and some of the luminaries of that era like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Edith Wharton and others of their ilk began frequenting this stunningly beautiful region. The ultra rich Americans were not to be left behind either.
The huge popularity of the French Riveria compelled the town and country planners to sit back and take notice. After the World War II, this part of France was gradually developed into a state-of-the-art convention centre. According to our gracious host Maria Bruni, many top ranking Hollywood superstars have their apartments here and there was a buzz doing the rounds that Elton John was in town. There is a certain throb here at Nice and the amazing part of this speck of paradise is that Nice alone has nationalities of 163 countries and it is a fact that non-French nationals outnumber the native people.
Nice’s fabulous Cote d’Azur Airport one of France’s busiest airports after Paris and there is another airport airport at the neighborhood of Mandelieu, which is now the nexclusive domain of private and business category flyers. Time permitting, a visit to surrounding places of the French Riveria includes a virtual galaxy of paradise like locales like Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Ca-d’Ail, Frejus, Saint Raphel and Saint Tropez. There is also the principality of Monaco to contend with.
Given the fact that the French Riveria receives 300 days of sunshine per year and with a coastline that extends to all of 115 Kms. along with numerous ski resorts has meant that this area has evolved as a major yachting centre. Don’t be taken aback to see some of the world’s costliest and most luxurious yachts anchored along the area’s impeccably maintained marinas. From the Sultan of Brunei to Lakshmi Niwas Mittal (world’s richest Indian), they all come here to party. If statistical records are anything to go by, each year the French
Riviera hosts 50% of the world’s yacht fleet, which in itself is astonishing.
Like most visitors in Nice, we too embarked on a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, which was conceived of almost 200 years back and shapes Nice’s Mediterranean coast at the marvellous Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). This iconic boulevard is popularly referred to as the ‘Promenade’ and extends for 6 Kms. If you feel tired, there is no dearth of the quintessential Nice “Blue Chairs” where you can sit down and bask in the uninterrupted sea vistas.
Many of the city’s elegant monuments are historic and dates back to the 17th century. Of particular significance are the magnificent Palais Lascaris, the Cathedral de Sainte Réparate and the impressive Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez. However, we were more interested in the beach side activities and the legendary Nice coastline would be our hangout zone in the evenings. We preferred the city’s Neptune beach because of its idyllic location and the easy availability of sun loungers and throbbing beach life.
It was reassuring to know that the water is checked regularly and evaluated as “good” according to the exacting European standards.
There are countless “must visit” tourist attractions around Nice and a majority of them are landmarks in their own right. Mention may be made of the impregnable 16th century Fort du Mont Alban. This is one place that impressed me a lot. Given the fact that I have always been fond of colonial architecture, the Fort du Mont Alban is one of the best places to have a glimpse of the traditional French military architecture and one can be assured of breathtaking natural vistas.
The city is home to a number of high profile museums and art galleries. I have been to a few art galleries in my native Kolkata, but I must tell you the art scene in Nice is a completely different cup of tea. One has to be thoroughly oriented with the French way of life and a well-informed guide is a must. We were fortunate as our gracious host Maria could spare some time from her busy schedule to accompany us on our trips to some of the city’s principal cultural centers.
We went on a full day’s tour of the city’s cultural mosaic – the Musée de Palaeontologie Humaine Terra Amata (popularly referred to as the Museum of Human Palaeontology), the Musée d’Archéologie de Nice-Cimiez (the Archaeological Museum) and also the Musée Départemental des Arts Asiatiques (Regional Museum of Asian Arts). The methodical manner in which the art objects and artifacts are preserved, deserves kudos.
When it comes to Fine Arts, Nice is like a “Mecca” – the Musée des Beaux Arts (Museum of Fine Arts) which is ideally located on the upscale Avenue des Baumettes was particularly fascinating. So also the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain which is strategically located on the posh Avenue St. Jean Baptiste. They are virtually a storehouse of contemporary paintings.
When it comes to the question of culture, the city of Nice has its own individual character. The native people have always held onto their independence, their own language –“Nissart” and folk traditions.
As far as the traditional costumes are concerned, the most common is the “Bouquetiere” for girls, which is a red and white striped cotton skirt, blouse and black velvet waistcoat with apron and embroidered black satin shawl plus, of course, the famous capeline. For boys, the chosen outfit is the red and white striped corsaire trousers, a broad belt of red wool and a white cotton shirt with a big-buttoned collar.
In course of an animated conversation with a native Nice couple at the elegant Atmosphere restaurant located on Cours Saleya, we got to know that the “Nissart” language is part of the Occitan linguistic ensembele extending from Catalonia to the valleys of Piedmont and Le Limousin. Most of the vocabulary, we were told, comes from the Latin spoken by the Romans who came here to build the town of Cemenelum.
In order to stop the “Nissart” language going into oblivion, theatre productions are of great help. Time permitting, a visit to the Theatre Nicois de Francis Gag and the Lou Rodou Nissart can be a very rewarding experience.
Every now and then, we would take a break from our sightseeing activity and sit down and relax at some of Nice’s archetypal pavement eating joints. The recipes here explain the lovely looks of the girls of Nice. From local candid fruits to “Pissaladiere” (golden onions with a hint of anchovy) and Nice’s very own exclusive Mediterranean sandwich “Pan Bagnat” to the warm and crispy “Socca”…the French gastronomic delights had fully satiated our taste buds.
With such great variety, many restaurateurs have decided to pool their efforts to make this into a common asset. To promote the authentic cuisine of Nice, restaurant owners have made a solemn commitment by signing a Quality Charter – “Cuisine Nissarde, Le Respect De La Tradition”. Restaurant owners holding this collective label can be identified by this logo on their storefront. When you step into any restaurant with the “Cusine Nissarde” label, it is a guarantee of excellence and good value that cannot but appeal to you.
When it comes to wine, as a perfect complement to the cuisine of Nice, the AOC wines have earned an excellent reputation, in particular in almost all the popular restaurants of Nice. The fact that the vineyards too are located in the hills that are in close proximity to Nice has helped tremendously.
No visit to Nice is ever complete without a visit to some its impeccably landscaped gardens. My father being a Doctorate in Agriculture, he had asked me to collect some information about Nice’s famed gardens. There are at least ten gardens and Municipal Parks, but the ones that stand out are – Jardin Albert, Jardins Suspendus Du Paillon, L’Esplanade Du Paillon, Le Parc Du Chateau, Le Jardin Du Monastere De Cimiez, Le Jardin Des Arenes De Cimiez, and Parc Chambrun.
While Jardin Albert happens to be Nice’s oldest garden that stretches for almost 2 Kms. from the seafront to the hills, the Jardins Suspendus Du Paillon is ideally spread out between the Old Town and the city center. However, it was the Parc Chambrun, which impressed me the most by its quintessential French romantic architecture. Other gardens worth visiting are the Le Jardin Botanique, renowned for its classic collections of Mediterranean flowers and the Parc Floral Phoenix.
As the city’s old timers are apt to say – “Nice has changed more in fifty years than it did over the past two centuries: Its history advances, but its past remains. I have been fortunate to visit this incredible city of the French Riviera where the world’s greatest stars have ignited millions of flash bulbs from the paparazzi’s cameras and I am not going to forget in a hurry the city’s salubrious climate and beautiful sights.
From the cascade to castle, I have seen everything in Nice without being seen. This city of a thousand delights will inspire me forever.
Traveler’s Fact File:
Getting There:
By Air:
It is certainly interesting to arrive in Nice by plane as one gets an immediate bird’s eye view of the city and the reasons for its very special character.
Nice’s Cote D’Azur Airport greets nearly 7.37 million passengers each year. With a global network of more than 60 connections, the Riviera International Airport is your privileged gateway to the city of Nice. There are more than 45 international airlines offering routine flights to more than 88 cities worldwide.
For instance, the popularity and the easy accessibility of Nice can be gauged from the fact that there are more than 300 flights a week to Paris. The route from Paris to Nice is the busiest in France.
Shopping:
Nice is a Mecca for shoppers. From small boutiques selling craftwork and traditional fabrics in the Old Town to the jewelry shops on the Avenue de Verdun, a bewildering variety of shopping outlets are available in the city of Nice. Typical souvenirs in Nice include – Wines, Olive Oil, Candid Fruit, Perfumes, fabrics, art and crafts.
Accommodation:
Nice offers a wide range of accommodation options. Nice Convention and Visitors Bureau publishes a Nice Hotel guide, which is available at 17, Rue Paganini. Tel: 33(0) 4 93 88 39 42. E-Mail: hotels@nicematin.fr
Furthermore, Day and night SIGNOTEL panels at Nice’s Cote D’Azur International Airport and at La Scoperta Services on the motorway provide tourist information on hotel availability and bookings can also be made.
Rentals and accommodation offered by private individuals can also be booked at –
Regional Tourist Committee,
55 Promenade des Anglais,
Tel: 33 (0) 4 92 15 21 30.
Sikkim Himalayas – Road to a Rarefied World
May 17th
My fascination for mountains have taken me to places like Annapurna in Nepal, the Everest Base Camp also in Nepal and the imposing Sheela Pass-Tawang circuit of Arunachal Pradesh in North East of India. I have heard a lot about Sikkim, its mountains with Kanchenjunga as the guardian deity, the affable and easygoing hill people, the quintessential Sikkimese cuisine, its predominant Buddhist culture and of course the world famous Orchids. But, as luck would have it, I was unable to muster the time and the energy to embark on an exclusive mountain tour of Sikkim.
The ascent from the plains of Siliguri to the high mountain terrain of Sikkim via National Highway 31A is nothing short of a fairy tale mountain ride. The four-hour drive from Siliguri to Gangtok offers spectacular window views of the Sikkimese countryside nestling besides the turquoise-blue Teesta River, your companion throughout the journey. Rhododendrons and Orchids create a riot of pink, yellow and mauve.
Gangtok, the capital of the Himalayan state of Sikkim is a mystical land and is steeped in history. The tumultous history of the land finds echoes in the peaks and valleys that rise and fall. Directly overlooking the city is the hill – Lukshyma, the “mother of pearl” citadel of the magic mountains, Khang – Chen – Dzongda. The sight of the impressive Rumtek Monastery, renowned the world over as an important seat of Tibetan Buddhism and the world’s second largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery is awesome.
If history is anything to go by, Sikkim used to be an independent country till the year 1897 and was ruled by the powerful Chougyal dynasty. The majestic palace of the Chougyal dynasty at Gangtok bears ample testimony to Sikkim’s rich virile past.
Gangtok’s rustic facilities and its warm-hearted folks offer visitors with a fascinating experience of life in the Eastern Himalayas, a Himalaya you never knew existed.Onward to Nathula Pass – The Last Frontier:
Having spent three eventful days at Gangtok, my hotelier friend Lobzang, true to his indomitable Himalayan spirit came up with an outlandish suggestion that we visit Nathula Pass, the border town and India’s last Army post.
Nathula Pass, which is all of 14,450 feet above sea level, is located at a distance of 56 Kms. from Gangtok on the Indo-Chinese border. In the days of yore, it used to be referred to as the famed “Silk Route” that facilitated trade with Tibet.
The ultimate high from us was the once in lifetime’s opportunity to be photographed in the company of soldiers from the Chinese Red Army.
List of Logistics:(1) A weather proof Swiss Tent is an absolute must, since there are no accommodations like hotels and resorts at Nathula Pass.
(2) The freezing sub zero temperature means that you need heavy woolens, jackets with cover up cap, snow goggles, gloves, spare woolen socks and a hardy pair of shoes with good grip to see you through the harsh weather conditions and landscape.
(3) Carry an inflammable stove for cooking purposes.
(4) At least one among the touring party must know elementary cooking.
(5) Carry foodstuff like noodles and fresh vegetables/meat/fish etc… according to ones preference.
(6) A pair of torch light with good visibility.
(7) First aid box with enough remedies for mountain sickness.
(8) A pair of binoculars for distant mountain viewing across the Chinese border.
(9) Non-narcotic pain relievers (acetaminophen or paracetamol, ibuprofen).
(10) Throat Lozenges.
Getting There:
The nearest airport from Gangtok is Bagdogra, 124 Kms. away in North Bengal. Scheduled flights arrive to Bagdogra from Calcutta, New Delhi and Guwahati. Major airlines like Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Spice Jet and Kingfisher offer regular flights to and fro Bagdogra.
For those who do not want to take the trouble of embarking on a road journey to Gangtok can avail of the Helicopter ride to Sikkim conducted by Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim from Bagdogra to Gangtok and vice versa. The flight timings have also been kept flexible so as to suit the requirements of passengers arriving or departing Bagdogra and vice versa.
Accommodation:
Gangtok is choc-a-bloc with hotels to suit every budget. Hotel Norkhil, Hotel Tashi Delek, Hotel Tibet, The Chumbi Residency, Hotel Sonam Delek are some of the up-market hotels of Gangtok. They are centrally located and offer impeccable mountain hospitality. Most have a predominant Tibetan ambience. Hotel Tibet in particular is famed for its no-holds-barred Tibetan appeal. The in-house restaurants offer Chinese, Continental and Indian cuisines but try out the local Sikkemese delicacies prepared to perfection by the resident chef.
For those interested in government run accommodation, Hotel Mount Jopuno is a great place to stay and is centrally located at P.S.Road.
Permits:
In addition to an Indian visa, foreign travelers must possess an Inner Line Permit, issued by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs or New Sikkim House, both in Delhi. The permit is valid for 15 days. A visit to the interiors of Sikkim requires a Protected Area Permit, which may be obtained in Gangtok from the Department of Tourism.
For further information on Gangtok and the state of Sikkim, please feel free to contact –
Sikkim Tourist Information Center,
M.G. Marg,
Gangtok,
Sikkim, India.
Adelaide – A Place To Indulged In The Good Life And Taste Luxury At Its Best
May 17th
by Subhasish Chakraborty
Adelaide is one Australian city where anyone who loves enjoying the good life in style, will uncover secrets to take away, taste and treasure. What impressed me most was the fact that within 90 minutes travel from the city, you could be scaling a spectacular coastline or exploring an island wildlife haven…. bungy jumping, hot air balooning over the vineyards or even sailing in the midst of sand dunes and even better – discovering the caves and rocks of this amazingly varied landscape.
If variety is “the spice of life”, then Adelaide must be the most happening destination. So many different experiences awaits you and the best part is that you can walk to most of them from your accommodation and what choice there is! Everything from 5 Star extravagance to the comfort and warmth of a B&B, international hostel or a laidback cabin on the beach.
The city offers food, wine and arts, which the world comes to celebrate ….a 30 Kms. long clean sandy coastline spread with stories, water sports and space to relax….the undulating hills where the wines, wildlife, crafts and country charms wait to welcome the jaded traveler.
The Cultural Scene:
Adelaide prides itself on style, elegance and high-energy arts. With just over one million residents, it stages an arts festival which the world agrees is among the top three – and the best by far in Australia. The city is also the nation’s largest selection of quality performance spaces and specialist venues.
The most grand of Adelaide’s major thoroughfares is the North Terrace. This is the cultural heart of the city and a “must do” on your tour itinerary. It’s a trip through some of the best treasures and stories of the world – and a way of quickly getting to know this amazing place. North Terrace is exactly 1 mile (1.6 Kms) long and can be walked easily, but there will be plenty of diversions.
This wide leafy promenade has the State’s main galleries, museums, hotels, two university campuses and its finest library and Botanic garden. Either side is the main shopping precinct, the arts center and the River To
rrens. Take your time and take it all.
For the connoisseurs of art, the Jam Factory Contemporary Craft and Design Centre welcomes visitors to tour its studios which produce artworks, fashion, furniture and gifts in metal, glass, wood and ceramics. Ever seen glassblowing – the red hot blob being transformed into a thing of beauty ? Now is your chance. The excellent retail gallery is a must visit site.
Like in India, the contemporary dance performance and classical music is particularly strong here – being home to the Australian Dance Theatre and Leigh Warren and Dancers, plus the Adelaide Chamber Orchestra, Adelaide Chamber Orchestra, Australian String Quartet and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra among others.
The Street Scene in Adelaide:
East End:
Adelaide’s historic East End is the city’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan precinct. Transformed over the past decade from its historic function as Adelaide’s wholesale fruit and vegetable markets, the East End blends blends this heritage with a dynamic café and dining culture, united with unique retail shops, mainstream Art House and IMAX cinemas, hotels, offices, multimedia centers and a burgeoning inner city 
residential population.
Hutt Street:
Hutt Street is another great café quarter with a relaxed and friendly village style setting, which blends history into the contemporary. I quite liked the easy sophistication and luxurious atmosphere without being snooty. Pavement breakfasts and casual coffees are popular – with tasty lunches in between. Dining under leafy verandahs is one experience I will never forget. The famous dining focal points are the Citrus Café and Nediz Tu, icons of modern Australian cuisine.
Hutt Street is conspicuous by its colonial era stone buildings and quaint, quiet, cottagey sidestreets that are a real bonus.
Gouger Street:
The Gouger Street is a wonderful meeting of venues, cultures and cuisines. The market is admired worldwide for its unique qualities and character. The street is renowned for fresh produce and gourmet foods are irresistible – and so are its cafes, coffee shops and noodle bars where the whole of Adelaide passes through.
Politicians, painters, musicians, tourists and office workers dine and do their shopping along with chefs, lawyers, storeowners, writers and families. Its also the place where chefs buy their special clogs. Just outside the main market is the principal dining strip with a great spread of world cuisines including classical French to Argentinean, Vietnamese and Thai. It also ha sits share of seafood restaurants and cafes.
O’Connell Street:
The scene is set as you climb the hill with your back to the city. Fine grand mansions, prestigious apartments and well kept cottages nestle among the well established trees and gardens of this up market suburb.
Al fresco dining is popular along this classy precinct of more than 40 restaurants, wine bars and cafes. Lunch is a sunny courtyard overlooking the city….pavement dining under old iron lacework verandahs….or amid the bustle of a Mediterranean style bistro. The Oxford and Royal Oak hotel deliver award winning food and wine in very attractive settings.
Adelaide Coast:
Coastal Adelaide is conspicuous by its distinctive landscape with estuarine environments, extensive sand dunes, off shore reef system and geologically significant cliffs, will provide you with something of interest with each bend of the coastal road.
Many kilometers of continuous metropolitan beach brings all of Adelaide within easy reach of the sea. Broken into 4 distinct sections, the coast offers a maritime history, recreational fun and ecological wonders.
The St.Kilda Mangrove trail is a “must visit” site. Here you can meander through the mysterious tidal world of the mangrove forest on a 1.7 Kms boardwalk. The nearby Greenfields Wetlands covers 42 hectares of low-lying saline land and has been developed into storm water detention basin and wetlands habitat and is home to 150 species of birds.
North Heaven is where you go for a day’s sailing or simply to watch the yachts come and go. Largs Bay is the last remaining metropolitan home for the coastal colony of the Red Capped Plover and 20 indigenous species of coastal plant life and s serene spot for strolling along the sand.
Semaphore hosts an international Kite Festival on its foreshore and the miniature steam train which operates during school holidays is a favorite….not only for the kids.
In 1992 West Lakes was honored with an award as the best residential development in the world. I was fortunate to have a look myself…. marvelous.
West Beach is the closest beach to the city, only 15 minutes away. It is home to an award winning caravan park and holiday village.
Anyone who swims at Christies Beach, walks the Tjilbruke Trail, launches a boat at O’Sullivan Beach, surfs at Moana, visits the underwater trails at Port Noarlunga or simply watches the sunset over Witton Bluff will know and appreciate the value of Adelaide’s coastline.
Adelaide Wineries:
Rolling hills with neat vineyards run beside forests of gum trees and orchards. The home of sparkling wines so good, the French premier champagne house Bollinger came to have a look and appreciated the quality. The Adelaide Hills are reckoned by many to soon become Australia’s premier wine region. It certainly has all the right ingredients of climate, soils and altitude. In fact, its like the whole of Europe in one little mountain range.
For tourists, it’s the perfect tasting territory …. Scenic drives, friendly welcome at the cellar door, lunch at the winery perhaps or nearby restaurant…. And the chance to buy what is increasingly becoming recognized overseas as some of the world’s best wines. The villages are dotted about the ranges and you can understand the character which goes into each bottle – especially if you are lucky enough to meet the winemaker themselves on a tour.
It is reported that Queen Victoria received a celebrated hock wine from the region in 1845 and exports were established from here. This wine came from Echunga – equally famous for its gold mine. Who knows if the winemaker knew he had struck a rich seam with his plantings.
Today the Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling from the Lenswood area are highly regarded and the Chardonnay from Chain of Ponds has helped create the up market “White Grange” Yattarna label. The whites are judged fragrant and vivid and the reds – the Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot particularly – judged fine and elegant.
The beauty is you can make your own decision during a delicious tasting session of your own.
Parks & Gardens:
Within 30 minutes from the city, you will find ancient forests…the chatter and laughter of parrots…and parks and gardens full of amazing wildlife and avian species.
At Cleland you can wonder freely among Kangaroos, Wallabies, Emus and Waterfowl and meet a Koala. Enjoy a night walk or Aboriginal trail. Morialta and Para Wirra offer fabulous bushwalking and Hallett Cove offers dramatic coastal views.
As far as gardens are concerned, Adelaide is set in the middle of Parklands and its surrounding areas offer an amazing selection of experiences ….dreamily romantic rose gardens, fountains and avenues of fragrant blossoms…and even a tall rainforest are just minutes away from the city center.
The real city’s elegant Botanic Gardens with rare flowers, fountains, cool green sanctuaries and a historic Palm House offers refreshing recreational avenues for the jaded traveler. The Adelaide-Himeji Garden recreates a classical Japanese setting and a Linear Park, you can cycle or walk from the hills, through the city to the ocean…while the Open Garden Scheme presents more than 60 private gardens to the public.
Self Drive Tours:
Self Drive tours are increasingly being preferred by the discerning international traveler. It is easy to hire a car and follow the suggested itineraries in the publication – “Adelaide Self Drive Touring Itineraries and Map, From the Hills to the Sea”. It includes map-referenced and themed itineraries, including adventure, antique, arts, food and wine, heritage, parks and gardens.
Barossa Valley Wine Tour:
This being my first visit to Australia and the fact that I am a wine buff, I was advised by the Tourist Information Center at Adelaide to embark on a 190 Kms. drive that would take me through the best parts of the Barossa and Eden Valleys. And I must tell you….this is wine buff heaven! Points of interest enroute included the Big Rocking Horse at Gumeracha, the National Motor Museum at Birdwood, the Collingrove Homestead and the Bethany Art & Craft Gallery in Angaston. And of course the cellar doors beckoned everywhere.
There is another equally enchanting Self Drive option vis-à-vis the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula Tour.
McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula Tour:
This is a lovely drive of just under 290 Kms. from Adelaide to McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek wine regions, and the very best Fleurieu coastal scenery. Highlights include the historic hills township of Hahndorf, picture perfect Strathalbyn, the popular coastal resort of Victor Harbor and the more than forty-five welcoming cellar doors of McLaren Vale.
Traveler’s Fact File:
By Air:
Daily international services fly direct into Adelaide International Airport, while direct domestic flights are very frequent. Typical flight times to Adelaide are 1 hour from Melbourne, 90 minutes from Sydney direct. There are also indirect services which fly to Adelaide via other cities.
By Road:
Driving from Sydney:
From Sydney its 1632 Kms. to Adelaide via the national capital, Canberra and the historic towns of the Murray River. This route can be driven comfortably in three days.
Then there is the wine route to Adelaide, a 1486 Kms drive taking in the magnificent Blue Mountains, the wine regions of New South Wales and Victoria and then the nation’s premier wine center – the Barossa Valley.
A third drive is the 1670 Kms outback journey via Broken Hill. However, its important to make careful preparations for this route.
Driving from Melbourne:
Here’s your opportunity to take one of the world’s great coastal drives, The Great Ocean Road. Offering some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Australia, this two day 1160 Kms trip from Melbourne brings you into Adelaide via the Coorong, the lower reaches of the River Murray and the wine country of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
An alternative route of 1040 Kms takes you through the historic gold rush country of Victoria and into Adelaide via the towns of the River Murray. It can be driven comfortably in a full day.
A little shorter is the 850 Kms drive via Bordertown, Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge.
By Rail:
The Indian Pacific:
The Indian Pacific is one of the world’s great train journeys. It spans the continent, 4352 Kms. from Sydney to Perth and you can climb aboard and travel to Adelaide from either city in the luxury of a sleeping cabin.
Sydney to Adelaide takes 24 hours offering a Blue Mountain sunset, an outback dawn near Broken Hill and the beautiful mid-north of South Australia. Perth to Sydney is a 11/2 day adventure across the awesome Nullarbor Plain.
The Overland:
The original Overland pioneered the concept of the straight-through intercapital rail journey in Australia last century. Today’s stylish train offers sleeping cabins or aircraft-style seats for the overnight journey of 774 Kms. from Melbourne to Adelaide.
Accommodation:
City Stays:
If only 5 Star will do, Adelaide’s international hotels can check you into anything from a penthouse to a first class suite or room equal of anything in the world.
Motel accommodation is plentiful or you can try an inner city serviced apartment complete with its own self-catering kitchen.
Adelaide’s backpacker and youth hostels are of a very high standard and extremely popular, while caravan parks, many with luxury on-suite cabins are a great family alternative.
Staying by the Sea:
Adelaide’s long stretch of suburban beaches is well endowed with seaside stays, from 5 star hotel rooms to budget motels, from flats and apartments to guest houses and welcoming bed and breakfast accommodation in private homes.
Country & Outback Stays:
The appeal of the countryside is even more appealing when you stay in a restored cottage in an Adelaide Hills orchard or beside a vineyard in one of the state’s world famous wine regions.
You can stay on a farm, perhaps in a fully restored shearer’s quarters or you might find yourself tucked up in bed in a miner’s cottage. And what could be more evocative than a few nights in a stately country home for a glimpse of how Australia’s farming aristocracy once lived?
In the outback you can stay in 5 star comfort underground, bush cabins, wilderness lodges, self catering cabins or at campsite under the stars.
River Stays:
If you yearn for a river holiday, you can be your own captain aboard a luxury houseboat or cruise as a live-in passenger on a first class riverboat. Ashore there are great choices too, including riverside cabins, cottages, caravans and campsites
[News/Alerts] Art 43 Basel, 14 – 17 June 2012
May 16th
Art Basel is the most important trade fair for the international art market. More than 300 selected exhibitors from the world’s most significant galleries will make the show a temporary top-class museum. Artists, art collectors and many prominent figures from the cultural scene will come together during this event in Basel. more here
[News/Alerts] Street Food at The Peninsula with ‘Snacks & the City’
May 16th
Basel – The Cultural Cauldron of Switzerland
May 15th
by Subhasish Chakraborty
It was year 2008 and imagine the huge relief when out of nowhere I was invited to present a Paper on West Bengal’s Sustainable Tourism platform at an International Conference of Sustainable Tourism, held at the Swiss city of Basel. The offer came at a time when the City of Joy – Kolkata -was reeling from an acute “heat wave” and the scorching summer had already claimed a few lives in the city and its suburbs.
Frankly speaking, I was flabbergasted. I reached Basel and the moment I checked in at the magnificent Hotel Hilton, I knew I was in a fortunate place. I was visiting the city at a time when the UEFA Cup 2008 was going on and like any soccer crazy Kolkatan, I fancied my chances to at least have one outing at the stadium in Basel to see the adrenalin pumping excitement of European football.
The city wore a festive look. Museums of worldwide renown and ultramodern architecture on both sides. And no matter whether you are left or right of the Rhine : you will find innovative theatre, music, hip clubs and traditional establishments everywhere. In this city, I was told that new excitement comes with every change of sides and the billboards everywhere proudly displayed the caption – “Basel. Beyond The 90 Minutes”. Clearly, Basel Tourism was hard selling the city as a tourist destination.
I was fortunate enough to come in contact with an old acquaintance of my dad – Oliver Meier, who was a resident of Basel and with whom my father had worked during his stint with the World Bank. I was carrying his address and rightfully located his modest Swiss chalet in the outskirts of the city.
Oliver advised me that the best way to explore the center of Basel is to take the five walks around the old part of the city. Each walk shows the city and its development from a different angle and takes you through the narrow streets and lanes of Basel to its large museums and fine squares.
I contacted the Tourist Office and informed them about my intention of embarking on the walking tours of Basel City. I opted for one walk per day with a resting day in between so as to be at my best physically and mentally.
I must confess, one of the great advantages of Basel is its manageable size: within a short time you can see and experience so much. Situated on the banks of the Rhine at the point where the Swiss, French and German borders converge, Basel is a unique and fascinating city full of charm. It’s a city where everything runs in clockwork precision and yet there is a cosmopolitan character it owes emphatically.
The Erasmus Walk:
The first walk that I embarked upon was the –“Erasmus Walk”. This short walk took me up to the Rheinsprung to the hill on which the Munster Cathedral stands – the scene of major events in the city’s history. I was told by the well-informed guide that this part of the city has been the site of human habitation for the past 22 centuries. Both the Celts and the Romans established settlements here and I could see the remnants of that in the vicinity.
The town planners have done a wonderful job by redesigning the entire neighborhood that serves as an exclusive residential area of a more secular nature and is also home to numerous corporate offices and impressive museums.
I quite liked the promontory on the river side of the Munsterplatz Cathedral from where the panoramic views of the city and the Rhine river as it changes course to flow north and beyond to the hills of the Black Forest and the Vosges made for a truly kaleidoscopic vignette. A closer look at the Cathedral revealed numerous historical figures that lay buried, inclusive of the Erasmus of Rotterdam. From there we walked back to the market square and spent some time at the principal shopping hub – the Freie Strasse.
The Jacob Burckhardt Walk:
The second walk- Jacob Burckhardt Walk took me to the Frei Strasse neighborhood via the choir of Barfusserkirche and finally to the city’s main theatre square – “Theaterplatz”. The contrast here between the modern edifices and neo-Gothic church – “The Elisabethenkirche” that towers above it is very palpable.
One of Basel’s most hip and happening squares is the Tinguely Fountain, which has become a much preferred hangout zone for the youth brigade and there is an impeccably landscaped garden with a fabulous restaurant at the Kunsthalle where I and my energetic guide Victor had a fulfilling meal under the shade of Chestnut trees.
One of Basel’s nerve center is the Barfusserplatz and I was stupefied by the sight of the medieval church where an open-air musical event was going on. Victor took me inside the church where there is a Museum with a rich assortment of artifacts. From Barfusserplatz, we walked leisurely along the city’s meandering alleyways and the quaint shops and boutiques on Spalenberg and Heuberg were a revelation.
The Jacob Burckhardt Walk takes about 45 minutes and is dedicated in the everlasting memory of Jacob Burckhardt (1818-1897), who was a scholar of art and a noted historian.
Thomas Platter Walk:
The Thomas Platter Walk on the other hand is of great significance for craftsmen and academics. According to my well informed guide – Victor – “The Thomas Platter Walk takes you through the picturesque lanes and alleyways of a former craftsmen’s district and the street names give a local flavor of the trades that used to be plied here”. I was ushered to the place where the craftsmen of yesteryears used to draw their water from the river Birsig, which even today flows perennially under the Marketplatz down to the Rhine River.
There is a bit of climbing involved, particularly on the stretch leading up to Spalenberg. But once you are on top of the hill, you essentially leave the Old City and pass by Petersgraben along which the city wall used to run.
On further coaxing by Victor, I climbed further ahead and reached Spalenvorstadt, which happens to be one of Basel’s old time gateways. Here you have the Spalentor, which is regarded as one of Basel’s finest edifices that dates back to the 14th century.
The University, one of the oldest in the whole of Switzerland, founded way back in the year 1460 is a must visit site and next to it is the fabulous St.Peter’s Square (Peterplatz), where every Saturday a colorful flea market entices both the residents as well as visitors to bargain and shop.
The Paracelsus Walk:
Walk No 4 – the Paracelsus Walk took me through both sides of the dreamy valley of the city’s shimmering river Birsig. We walked up to an captivatingly named “eleven thousand virgins” lane, which is popularly referred to as the Elftausendjungfern-Gasslein in the local Swiss parlance.
The most striking edifice here is the church of St.Martin and the entire edifice was illuminated with neon lights on the eve of a Christian holy congregation. I was most impressed by the amazing facades of the unusually large town houses that bore ample testimony to the sheer wealth of old city. I was told that these town houses serve as office rooms of Basel city’s administration.
The walk through the narrow lanes and bylanes takes you back to the valley and even without you noticing it you will walk over to the neighborhood of Falknerstrasse and cross the shimmering Birsig river. The walk on the other side of the lovely valley takes you through a roller coaster tour of the quintessential “Craftsmen’s Alleyways” and further ahead is the magnificent church of St.Leonhard and beyond is the Lohnhof.
In the good old days, Lohnhof used to be the seat of Basel’s government offices and later on as a prison house. As of today, the Lohnhof has been remodeled into an exclusive residential zone with its own Music Museum and a decent hotel.
We followed the narrow cobbled streets all the way to the Marketplatz but thanks to my hawk eyes, I could see the Pharmaceutical History Museum and a visit inside this one-of-its-kind museum revealed carefully preserved utensils dating back to the time of Paracelsus.
Hans Holbein Walk:
The last of my walks was the rather educative Hans Holbein Walk. Hans Holbein, I was told by my guide Victor, lived from 1514 to 1526 and again from 1528 to 1531 in the city of Basel. He was a master portrait artist and this enchanting walk requires around 90 minutes.
One of Basel’s most enduring charm is the city’s ideal location vis-à-vis the Rhine river. All visitors to Basel should therefore make it a point to explore both sides of the river. This walk commences along the more prosperous quarters in the city’s old district all the way up to the magnificent Munsterplatz Cathedral. In the present times this much talked about cathedral square hosts some of the city’s most important events like the Basel Autumn Fair, Basel Carnival and other open-air exhibitions.
We wended our way through the Patrician’s houses in the Knight’s lane all the way to the city’s former inner moat and remarkably maintained residential quarter – St.Alban-Vorstadt. For the art aficionados, a must visit place is the Museum of Fine Arts where you will come across well preserved art works of the great artist – Hans Holbein. Other major wayside attractions are the Caricature & Cartoon Museum as well as the stately St.Alban church. There is an opening in the ramparts through which you can see the intriguing courtyard of the monastery that dates back to the Middle Ages.
There is also an impeccably preserved old city wall, which is worth visiting. Once we reached Grossbasel, we took a ferry ride across to Kleinbasel, which happens to be one of Basel’s most pulsating neighborhood. We returned to the Marketplatz via Mittlere Brucke and saw the rather strange looking “Lallekonig”, which is essentially the head of a medieval king sticking his tongue out.
Basel – A Football Crazy City:
Of all the cities in Switzerland, Basel is the most football crazy. And I found the enthusiasm infectious and spreading far beyond the city limits and throughout the surrounding regions which I had visited during my Walking Tours.
As luck would have it, I was there in Basel for just a week and unfortunately I couldn’t take out time to watch live action inside the stadium. It left me disgusted not being able to make it for even one match of the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship. But I did make it a point to visit the wonderful Basel stadium (St.Jacob Park Stadium) that has hosted some of the most exciting football matches that you will ever see.
The people of Basel have long been deeply attached to their very own FC Basel. No other Swiss club attracts as many loyal fans and I was fortunate to witness the practice session of FC Basel. This awesome stadium, built by the internationally acclaimed architects – Herzog & de Meuron, was embraced with open arms by the people of Basel as a tribute to their love of football. With a seating capacity for over 40,000 spectators, eleven VIP Boxes, a restaurant, a bar, a set of apartments for elderly residents and shopping mall with 33 stores, easily makes it one of the most enduring outdoor stadiums in the whole of Europe.
I could sense the anticipation of all those balmy football nights, the joy of a shared triumph, the passionate post match debates and discovery of new friends from all over Europe and across the world already very palpable here in Basel.
Traveler’s Fact File:
Getting There:
Basel is easy to get to. The airport is only a 10 minutes drive from the city center. Basel’s Euro Airport is served by a number of international airlines. Together with neighboring Zurich airport, it enjoys connections to all European airports and to more than 200 intercontinental destinations.
Located in the center of Europe, Basel is a major transportation hub. Its railway stations – the Swiss SBB, French SNCF and German Badischer Bahnhof, as they are known, not only offer excellent connections to far and wide but are also all situated in the very heart of the city.
Accommodation:
Basel is a cosmopolitan city that offers all kinds of accommodations ranging from the superbly deluxe 5 star affairs to budget category hostels for backpackers. What is more, in Basel city, on checking in, hotel guests receive a free “Mobility Ticket” which entitles them to unlimited travel on all trams and buses in zones 10 and 11 for the duration of their stay in Basel.
City Tour by Bus:
Take in Basel’s charm as you tour the city by bus. Starting from the German Railway Station – where one of Basel Tourism’s expert guides will board the bus – your varied tour route takes you to the border triangle, then across the Rhine a number of times, past the three old city gates, before arriving at the Basel Museum of Contemporary Art. The guided tour ends with a short walk to Munsterplatz.
Basel iGuide:
Basel Tourism’s hi-tech multimedia technology allows you to follow in the footsteps of the world renowned figures who shaped Basel’s history, courtesy of iGuide. You have a choice between five city tours on your iGuide PDA, featuring commentary in English and German. IGuide provides you with individual perspectives, insights and details that might otherwise pass you by.
For further information on the city of Basel, please feel free to contact – barbara3@rogerrs.com
[News/Alerts] Bali Update – 14 May 2012
May 14th
As we go to press, Merpati Airline’s pilots are threatening to go on strike – read the details and possible links with the fatal crash of a Sukhoi Jet in West Java last week.
Narcotics continue to cast a shadow over Bali. Three convictions for very long prison terms where handed down last week to those who smuggled drugs into Bali ,while a member of the ‘Bali Nine’ is making a final plea to the Indonesian President to spare his life.
There’s been another rabies death in Bali, the second recorded in the month of May.
Controversy grows surrounding plans to lease large tracts of a North Bali jungle owned by the government to a private party for tourism development.
Medicine is in the news this week. Bali is one the road to developing medical tourism as the province allocates funds to start construction of the Bali Provincial Hospital and the Minster of Tourism applauds the new BIMC Hospital in Nusa Dua as an important first step in stemming the tide of Indonesians seeking medical treatment abroad.
[News/Alerts] Summer in Bled, I Feel Slovenia
May 14th
After five years of using the umbrella national trademark I Feel Slovenia, through a research study of the domestic business public, Slovenia verified what the importance of the I Feel Slovenia trademark is and the effect of Slovenia as a source country of products. Among other things, the study has indicated that when thinking about Slovenia, Austrians primarily think of the sea, Italians of the nature, British and Germans of the mountains and Japanese of the Lake Bled.
With its green-blue lake, the little island with its church and a medieval castle on the crags above, Bled is the most famous view of Slovenia. This tourist gem of international fame located at the edge of the Triglav National Park was among the nominees for seven new wonders of the World! In 2012, Bled prepared a new promotional film showing the natural beauty of Bled and its surroundings, emphasising the diversity, relaxation, sports challenges, cultural events and entertainment.
Quintas de Obidos country Club
May 13th
By Subhasish Chakraborty
If ever there was an Eden on Earth, it had to be the Quintas De Obidos Country Club.one of Portugal’s most renowned eco-friendly resort,s located on Portugal’s famed Silver Coast – a region that happens to be one of Portugal’s most beautiful and unspoilt,
In all there are 79 outstanding villas spread over an area of 140 acres in a natural lake setting. This one-of-its-kind resort has truly redefined eco-tourism in Portugal. The Silver Coast is beginning to make its presence felt as one of Europe’s most preferred holiday destinations. The Quintas De Obidos Country Club has roped in Jessica Kurten – world’s number one lady show jumper as their brand ambassador. And why not?
The unprejudiced eye of the architect echoes in every nook and corner of the resort. Here at the Quintas De Obidos Country Club, the virtually impossible seem graceful and easy and I think that’s what architecture is all about. The resort is a supreme adjustment to opportunity and local conditions. All attention has been concentrated on, not collecting art, but on creating art, like one beautiful picture.
Surrounded by innovative designs, designs that are unusual and minimalist, designs that celebrate, which do not necessarily conform to any set pattern, finishes that are playful – is the joy that this resort breathes into her spaces. Be it the floors, walls, ceilings, doors or even the simple framed windows, the resort manages to evoke in the most mundane things a vibrancy and a happy mood, that reach out to greet you the moment you step inside.
We were lucky to meet master architects – Miguel Saraiva and Costa Lima at the resort. None of us had ever seen a resort of this magnitude before and in course of our dinner with the lights dimmed, the candles aglow, a cosy dinner served, Miguel emotionally remarked – “I feel architects tend to design interiors that are austere – decorators on the other hand produce interiors that are dramatic, often with no sense of discipline. Here though, the synthesis has been perfect, stunning and dignified showcase that exudes an aura of ease”.
Confronting the challenge of developing an eco-tourism project of this magnitude, it is vital to find a language, which would incorporate the traditional architecture within the elements of a contemporary construction. I have been fortunate to personally see my California based aunt who is a high profile architect specializing on tribal vernacular architecture struggle with her pet projects in the North Eastern state of Assam. Most architects find the task of incorporating a traditional vernacular architecture into an eco-tourism initiative challenging. The bottomline is to be faithful to the characteristics of traditional architecture, whilst having regard for the link between interior and exterior spaces and the design brief.
What is so striking about the Quintas De Obidos Country Club is that the landscape for most part is of undulating terrain, which is more prominent in certain areas. And the eye of the architect here has been to incorporate the various plots with diverse possibilities of orientation. As architect Miguel candidly admits – “Opting for an architecture clearly rooted in a traditional Portuguese style was really a challenge”.
Quintas De obidos, email geral@quintasdeobidos.pt
Obidos – Where the Spirit Runs Free
May 13th
by Subhasish Chakraborty
The beautiful country of Portugal is ideally located to the southwest point of Europe and includes the fabulous Madeira and Azores archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean. In terms of tourism, Portugal isn’t all that popular among Indian travelers yet, but gradually, the Portuguese Ministry of Tourism is waking up to the reality, given the purchasing power of the average Indian traveler.
Recently I made a week’s trip to this fabulous country as part of the Tea Board of India delegation. Portugal is one of India’s principal Tea importers and India and Portugal share a rich bilateral relationship. There is considerable demand for Indian tea and we undertook this trip to gauge the level of awareness about Indian Tea and to do some promotions in the marvelous capital city of Lisbon.
Lisbon itself is a captivating city. Endless recreations awaits you at Lisbon ranging from sightseeing fairytale palaces to balmy beaches and climbing picture perfect hills to riding the classy turn-of-the-century trams. I have visited other European cities like London, Paris, Berlin, Brussels and Amsterdam, but in terms of culture, Lisbon must be one of the world’s greatest historical cities. Also, for a middle class Indian like me, its one of the least expensive cities of Western Europe and thus offered me and others in the delegation with the much needed purchasing power.
We were put up at the majestic Lapa Palace hotel located in the Rua do Pau da Bandeira neighborhood. This gracious hotel has quite a bit of history and in the days of yore, it used to serve as the royal residence of the Count Valencas till the end of the 19th century. Since the year 1992 the Lapa Palace was converted into a luxurious hotel and today this magnificent hotel is a proud member of the “Leading Hotels of the World”.
Given the hotels strategic location and state-of-the-art Conference facilities, we were able to conduct very fruitful meetings with the Lisbon Chamber of Commerce as well as a private Portuguese tea export houses.
From Lisbon, the entire delegation moved to the beautiful town of Obidos, which is ideally located in the centre of the Western Coastal Region of Portugal. The 80 Kms. (48 miles) drive from Lisbon was beautiful as we passed through the scenic Portuguese countryside.
The Lisbon Chamber of Commerce as part of the two way exchange with the Tea Board of India reciprocated with the kind gesture of being honored guests of the magnificent Quintas De Obidos Country Club, which is one of Portugal’s most renowned eco-friendly resort, located on Portugal’s famed Silver Coast – a region that happens to be one of Portugal’s most beautiful and unspoilt.
If ever there was an Eden on Earth, it had to be the Quintas De Obidos Country Club. In all there are 79 outstanding villas spread over an area of 140 acres in a natural lake setting. This one-of-its-kind resort has truly redefines eco-tourism in Portugal. The Silver Coast is beginning to make its presence felt as one of Europe’s most preferred holiday destinations.
The beautiful town of Obidos itself is steeped in history. Óbidos is a municipal town with an area of approximately 140 Sq.Kms. and inhabited by 10,000 inhabitants. The town for most part is rural and the Municipality of Óbidos is one of the oldest in Portugal. The local economy is agriculture based and it is one of the principal fruit growing regions of Portugal.
Of late, tourism has become a very attractive proposition largely due to the town’s scenic location and the fact that one of Portugal’s most high profile resort – the Quintas De Obidos Country Club having established its presence here has given the region’s tourism a much-needed fillip.
The town is perched on a hill and is still bounded by a fortified wall. The meandering streets still have that well-preserved medieval look. So too are the town’s principal squares and the magnificent castle.
Obidos is popularly referred to as the “Wedding Present Town” because according to local beliefs, King Dinis presented this town to Queen Isabel on their wedding day way back in 1282. This place exudes with a romance that is very infectious – medieval village huts, unusual cobblestone streets bordered by vibrantly colored houses glowing with Geraniums and Bougainvillea, classical Gothic architectural patterns, whitewashed churches and what have you?
The town’s principal street – “Rua Direita” extends all the way from the 18th century old town gate to the main square – the elegant “Praça de Santa Maria”. This part of the town has a gorgeous fountain, a 15th century old pillory, the Town Museum where you will find artifacts dating back to the 15th century, and the majestic Santa Maria Church, which is where the cherubic10 year old King Afonso V tied his nuptial knot with his 8 year old cousin Isabel way back in 1444.
As we strolled in the town’s main square, we came across a group of Canadian tourists seated in a medieval pub and enjoying every minute. They were on a high and on further inquiry, the neighborhood roadside pavement vendor informed us that it was the magical local brew – “Ginjinha” that was the cause of all that fun. Just like the locally brewed “Fenny” in Goa, Obidos is renowned for its local “Ginjinha” which is made of Cherry.
We were fortunate to be visiting this part of the world in the month of July as the town was all decked up for the annual “Medieval Fair” that essentially recreates the Middle Ages with music, armoured knights, witches and intriguing theatre shows. A sizeable number of tourists from abroad gave the Fair a truly international color.
With its extensive coastline, the region is much preferred by water sport enthusiasts and we were offered with an exclusive coach from the resort that would take us to the town’s coast to indulge in Sailing, Windsurfing, Scuba Diving etc….,but since most members of the touring party were well past their prime, none of us had the guts to splash in the waters. Instead we opted for some light fishing and the fishing kits provided to us were superb.
However, the talking point of the resort is the Jessica Kurten signature Equestrian centre. This one-of-its-kind Equestrian Centre is among the best in Europe. Through Jessica’s role as a brand ambassador of the resort and as a consultant – this Equestrian Centre has already become a Centre of Excellence. The centre’s facilities include a VIP Lounge, International standard show jumping and dressage arenas, indoor school, 13 x 13 feet Boxes, Paddocks, Lounging Circle, Tack Shop, Farrier, Competition Stabling and an exclusive Parking zone. The extent to which the Equestrian Centre goes for the care and well being of the horses, through a full time professional team handpicked by the great equestrian champion herself was admirable.
On the penultimate night, the resident chef Nicolas was basting a butterfly-boned leg of a lamb on the barbecue, with his secret marinade as we climbed the lawn. Thrilled by our adventure we planned some action that night and approached the resort’s management for a mid night bash. All of us had to drape in white. Liquor flowed freely and the table brimmed with goodies. Local dancers performed a dance to the percussion beat of native Portugal. A starlit dinner was exactly what the doctor ordered to finish off a truly memorable trip.
Early next morning after having our breakfast, we headed for Lisbon International Airport. Silhouetted against the rising sun, a hot air balloon rose into the sky on its aerial safari. As we drove along the highway, drinking in the sights and sounds of the Portuguese countryside, we came to realize that Obidos is more than a tourist attraction. It is one of the few places where nature dictates the code of life.
Memories of Obidos will linger on for a lifetime.
Traveler’s Fact File;
Getting There:
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal is well served by routine International flights from key international cities.
Flight times from Europe’s main cities:
Amsterdam – 2 hours 50 minutes, London – 2 hours 30 minutes, Dublin – 2 hours 40 minutes, Madrid – 1 hour, Frankfurt – 2hour 55 minutes, Paris – 2 hours 20 minutes.
From Lisbon Airport, hired cabs and buses can be readily hired. The distance from Lisbon Airport to Obidos is 80 Kms. and the journey can be covered in 50 minutes. You need to take the A8 Motorway from Lisbon to Obdios and you will have to pay a toll fee for using the Motorway.
If you are traveling by bus, tickets are priced at Euro 6.00.
For further information and reservations at Quintas De Obidos Country Club, please feel free to contact barbara3@rogers.com
