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Havila Voyages has established itself quickly as a leader in sustainable travel, appealing to me and many others alike offering breathtaking scenery with a strong commitment to protecting the environment. This innovative company operates a small fleet of ships that deliver unforgettable experiences along the stunning Norwegian Coast Route. TL;DR In this post, we will explore the essence of Havila Voyages, examine the routes they serve, and give you an introduction to each ship in their fleet, detailing their construction and launch. A Brief Background on Havila Voyages Havila Voyages (known as Havila Kystruten in Norway) operates 4 of the 11 ships that sail the Norwegian Coastal Route. It's a separately traded company, though the largest share holder is Havila Holding. Founded with a vision for responsible tourism, its annual results contain not only financial but also sustainability performance. Reporting on CO 2 emmissions and performance against its ambitious target of no more than 75grams of food waste per guest night. The ships use battery power for silent operations in sensitive areas, drastically cutting down on emissions and noise pollution. Routes Served by Havila Voyages Havila Voyages primarily operates along the iconic Norwegian Coastal Route, which stretches over 1,240 kilometers from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north. Along this route, travellers are treated to spectacular views of Norway’s fjords, coastal towns, and jaw dropping landscapes. The Havila Fleet Havila Voyages currently operates four identical ships. Par Saevik (owner of Havila) gave his 8 grandchildren the task of picking a star to name each ship after. They chose; Havila Capella - Tersan shipyard (Turkey) - delivered 2021. Havila Castor - Tersan shipyard (Turkey) - delivered 2022. Havila Polaris - Build started in Astillero Barreras shipyard (Spain), completed by Tersan shipyard (Turkey) - delivered 2023. Havila Pollux - Build started in Astillero Barreras shipyard (Spain), completed by Tersan shipyard (Turkey) - delivered 2023. Onboard each ship guests can enjoy various amenities, including multiple restaurants, lounges, and wellness facilities. Each of these new ships perfectly blends comfort and sustainability, ensuring a memorable experience of Norwegian coastal travel with minimal environmental impact. They also deliver cargo - with a capacity for 190 pallets (of which 40 can be transported with cooling or freezing), docking side on with separate ramps deployed for passengers and cargo. Technical Details Length - 124.1m Beam (width) - 22m Propulsion - Hybrid with LNG engines and Battery Packs Speed - 15 knots Capacity - 640 guests and 78 staff Gross tonnage - 15,519 Passenger comfort Free WIFI 3 Restaurants - Havrand (Main), Hildring (Fine Dining) and Havly (Cafe) 2 x Saunas, 2 x Jacuzzi and 2 x small Gyms Panorama bar and lounge Laundry room Final Thoughts on Havila Voyages Havila Voyages marks a new chapter in responsible exploration along the Norwegian coast. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience amid stunning landscapes while also championing sustainable practices, you will find Havila Voyages’ journeys particularly appealing. Their commitment to minimizing ecological impact is paving the way for a new standard in the cruise industry, inspiring others to follow their lead. Planning your trip with Havila Voyages could be the sustainable adventure you have been waiting for. It promises not only a remarkable journey but also a contribution to preserving the beauty of Norway’s coastal heritage. You can find HavilaCapella current position using this link; https://www.cruisemapper.com/ships/Havila-Capella-ferry-2173#google_vignette

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is one of the most intriguing and isolated inhabited islands in the world. Located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, this UNESCO World Heritage site enthrals visitors with its fascinating history, breathtaking landscapes, and, of course, its iconic moai statues. We are visiting Easter Island in February - as part of an extended South American Tour. TL;DR Easter Island has a multitude of attractions and experiences that I'm told (by the internet and youtube) that I must consider during my short visit. Here's what I think I need to see and do. Our hotel has let us know that we need to buy a ticket to visit the statues. The cost of the Rapa Nui National Park is $95 USD each for our stay. And that we will need a guide for many of the locations we will want to visit - I've marked these with a *. Rano Raraku* We watched a youtube video and Rano Raraku looks epic. It's the quarry/factory where the famous moai statues were carved, and is an essential stop on Easter Island. It's actually a volcanic crater and I understand that you can see over 400 moai in various stages of completion. The sheer scale of these monoliths, some measuring up to 33 feet tall and weighing over 80 tons, is going to leave a lasting impression - I'm sure. A no brainer to book for a visit. Rano Raraku - The Quarry of Moai Statues Ahu Tongariki* Ahu Tongariki is the largest ahu (ceremonial platform) on the island, showcasing 15 impressive moai statues lined up against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. This site was remarkably reconstructed after being toppled during the island's tumultuous past. I think this is the iconic image of Easter Island that we've all seen. Again - something we need to see. Hanga Roa Hanga Roa, the main town of Easter Island. Its where our booked hotel is, so will be easy to explore for food, drinks and maybe some culture. No planning required. Orongo* Orongo is an ancient ceremonial village linked to the Birdman cult - which sounds interesting. It is archeologically significant and offers spectacular cliffside views over the Pacific and nearby islets. We'll look a little more at this. Anakena Beach This sounds an ideal place for a picnic and swim in the calm waters. Looking at google maps it is about 17km by bike, and relatively flat, so that may be an idea. Look at bike hire and picnic options Rano Kau Rano Kau, the island's second-largest volcano has a stunning crater lake. It looks like a 3 to 4 hour return hike from the hotel that we have booked. Hiking to the summit should provide an excellent vantage point. No planning required Attend a Traditional Easter Island Dance Performance We saw on the youtube video that there was traditional dance performances available and shouldn't be missed. We'll check that out when we are there. For more on our planned trip to Easter Island; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/search?q=Rapa&type=blogs Happy travels!

This is more a point in time for me to look back at, rather than anything else. So feel free to bail now. When I started out with this blog, I said I would continue to review whether 'it's working for me' or not. I'm not actually sure what my yardsticks are to measure whether it is working for me or not - I'll need some time to develop those over time. But suffice to say - I am enjoying it as a learning experience for now anyway. TL;DR I started this blog on 16th July. Since then I've learnt a lot, and also come to appreciate that there is a shed load of stuff that I just don't know, and behaviour that I don't understand. My Self Assessed Report - Can Do Better That's the overall assessment that I'm giving myself for the first month - It's pretty much what I got at school most years - so at least it's consistent. The first month has been filled with activity. From setting up the website, using new software, to publishing the first posts, each step has been an education. I'm starting to find my feet and develop more of a strategic direction. A good firm footing 'to do better' from. What Went Well Content Creation It's surprising to me what people are interested in, and that finding your audience is difficult. Some posts that I thought would be an interesting read haven't attracted any readers, and vice versa. I've had a few that have hit the spot - I've enjoyed writing and I've had a lot of interaction on them. Thus the deep dive into all things Havila. I've since broadened the subject matter to other places and experiences that I know well - notably the quirkiness of Iceland and Svalbard. Engagement Stats With the grades that I've awarded myself. Facebook - B The facebook tools that I've now got tell me loads of stuff. I need to tune in more to what they actually mean - but currently I'm tracking two numbers; Views (number of times your content was played or displayed) - 111,981 Engagement (number of reactions, comments, shares and clicks) - 9,411 My best post so far was surprisingly a write up of Scrabo Tower. Much of the content and interaction is buried in specific interest groups Instagram - C Lots to learn - A good post is difficult and takes a younger eye. I'm being trained. Website - C Post views 5,842 Youtube - F Fail - haven't spent much time here I haven't actually a clue whether these results are good or bad, but they are trending in the right direction on a daily basis. I found this graphic, sessions by location, to be a cool insight to who is reading; SEO Optimisation Still don't really understand SEO strategies, but traffic from search engines is increasing - so again trending in the right direction. More work needed here. Challenges Faced Time Management Getting up to speed has been a steep learning curve, together with creating enough content has taken more time than I had imagined - though I feel I'm starting to find my pace Technical Issues The moment I overcome technical difficulties/learnings - I'm straight into the next one. At least I'm retaining the knowledge - so they aren't repeat issues - I hate those. Lessons Learned Importance of Planning If I knew where I wanted to take this - it would be a little easier. I tend to go down a few rabbit holes. I thought my cycling adventures would be an interesting read. Perhaps I haven't found those people yet. Understanding the Audience Engaging people on facebook is particularly difficult - but when you do - they are a loyal lot. When you miss or mess up - there are some less than positive comments. I've surprised myself by how I don't take it personally. I'm told flexibility and writing for your audience is key. I'm not sure of my goals yet - so need to figure this one out. Goals For Month 2 Maintain a manageable pace Drive up views and engagement - in the absence of other useful metrics Identify the metrics that matter to me Identify the purpose of the blog, set a goal and develop a measurable strategy. Overall report "Definite signs of improvement" (stole that from one of my school reports) That's all for now. Happy travels!

....I could probably book another trip on Havila today. There are two types of people in this facebook page; those that have just joined seeking information to enable booking on Havila, or wanting to check arrangements for an upcoming journey Those that have travelled before, and have an affinity for Havila that is difficult to shake We've all spent time as the former - so repeats of the same questions from the recently joined should be expected, and the later group should be happy to provide and share their experience and informed knowledge. TL;DR This blog takes the most basic of questions relating to booking and travelling with Havila and provides a definitive answer together with its source. The format is Question, answer together with source. I'll continue to update the blog to include questions and answers as and when I spot anything missing. So here goes.... Questions & Answers Is there a hairdryer in my cabin/suite? Yes. Source - I confirmed direct with Havila Am I allowed to bring alcohol on to the ship for consumption onboard? No - Passengers are not permitted to consume alcohol purchased outside of the vessel onboard. Source - Website (T&Cs) Do I need to dress up for dinner? No - You are travelling in nature; the dress code is casual, and you do not need to dress up for dinner. Source - Website Can I wash my clothes? Yes, you can wash your clothes in the laundry facilities at deck 4 and 5. There are three washing machines that automatically dispense soap, three dryers, and ironing equipment. Source - Website What type are power outlets? European , the voltage is 220V. If you need an adapter, you can buy it on board. Source - Website Do I have a TV in my room? Yes Source - Website Is there WIFI? Yes - all over the ship and in the cabins and suites Source - Personal experience Are there tea and coffee facilities in my cabin/suite? There are water kettles available in the sea view cabins. They are not provided in the interior cabins. But, you can inquire at the reception for assistance. There are coffee machines in the suites. In addition suite guests have the Havly Cafe package included - which includes all coffee beverages available from the Havly Cafe. Source - Havila Helpdesk Is tea and coffee free? Coffee and tea are complimentary during breakfast. There is black coffee and hot water available outside the shop, with milk and sugar available for free. Suite guests have the Havly Cafe package included - which includes all coffee beverages available from the Havly Cafe. Source - Havila Helpdesk Is there a dressing gown and slippers in my cabin/suite? These are available to those guests in Junior suites and Lighhouse suites. Source - Website Which is better - Port or Starboard? Difficult to answer as that is down to personal preference Source - Personal experience Are there USB ports in the cabin/suite? Yes - USB A Source - Personal experience Are their bathroom toiletries in the cabins/suites? Yes, and whilst good quality, you may want to bring your own Source - Personal experience Do I get a lanyard? Suite guests get a free lanyard, other guests can purchase one Source - Facebook Can I get more Towels? Yes - just ask at reception Source - Personal experience Are there towels for the Jacuzzi and sauna? Yes - just ask at reception Source - Personal experience Tips? Not expected Source - Website How do I contact Havila? Call Customer Service International: +47 7000 7071 UK: +44 3455 280 026 US: +1 833 210 9067* Canada: +1 647 3675922 Denmark: +45 7080 1154 Sweden: +46 (0)840 000 718 Germany: 0800-72 43 122* Norway: +47 7000 7070 Email contact.voyages@havila.no reservations.voyages@havila.no Source - Website When do I get a cabin number? BKB journeys with your booking confirmation, other travellers on checkin. Source - Facebook What does BKB stand for? Bergen to Kirkenes to Bergen, also known as the Round Voyage - 11 nights, 12 days. Source - Website Is priority checkin available for suite guests? Yes - well signed at boarding Source - Facebook What's the weather going to be like? Impossible to predict Source - Personal experience Which Cabin should I get? Its up to you - I've written up the accommodations available in these blog posts; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/accommodation-options-on-havila-voyages-ships https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/cabin-options-on-havila-voyages-ships https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/suite-options-on-havila-voyages-ships Source - Personal experience How does the Jacuzzi work? I've written a blog post here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/the-havila-jacuzzi Source - Personal experience How does the sauna work? I've written a blog post here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/the-havila-sauna Source - Personal experience Tell me more about the Gym & Fitness Rooms Here's the blog post for those; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/the-havila-gym-fitness-rooms Source - Personal experience How does Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner work? I've written a blog post for this here; https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/post/how-havila-breakfast-lunch-and-dinner-works Source - Personal experience How can I best communicate my dietary needs? If you contact customer support before you sail they will take details of all dietary requirements. This is then communicated to the ship. The information is loaded on your card which you receive on checking in and carry with you. The crew serving you at meals all have access to this information too. Source - Facebook For everything else Havila click here - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/search?q=havila&type=blogs

The Harland and Wolff cranes, towering over the Belfast skyline, are not just engineering marvels; they are Belfast. These iconic structures, known as Samson and Goliath have witnessed the rise and fall of shipbuilding in Northern Ireland and have become synonymous with the city itself. TL;DR This blog post delves into the history and legacy of these cranes. Gantry Cranes The cranes, known locally and affectionately as Samson and Goliath - in that order. The first, Goliath, was completed in July 1969. Samson was completed in May 1974. I've only ever known the cityscape as having the two cranes. The cranes are pretty much identical - same paint work, same design, with a span of 140m and working load of a massive 840 tonnes. Goliath has an overall height of 96m, and Samson has another 10m at 106m. When the cranes are close together the difference is visible. Landmarks Their bright yellow colour and distinctive shapes made them easily recognisable, and they soon became a source of pride for the local community, and still are today. You know your home when you spot them - and that is easily done from all over the city, but especially good when coming in from the air and landing at the close by City Airport, or arriving by boat into the near by port. Decline of the Shipbuilding Industry By the 1990s, the shipyard had closed its doors. Many feared that these iconic structures would be dismantled or left to deteriorate. However, the cranes were granted listed status, protecting them from demolition and ensuring their preservation for future generations. The area around the cranes continues to be redeveloped - the Titanic Quarter, is a busy redevelopment project, and has transformed the former shipyard into a hub for tourism, education, and business. The cranes serve as a perfect backdrop, reminding visitors of the city's past whilst looking towards a promising future. As Belfast continues to change, the Harland and Wolff cranes are a constant.

Welcome to my blog! Here, we aim to provide valuable insights and practical advice on travel and related topics. I write from experience, demonstrating how I follow my tips and advice to allow me to travel wide and far, finding unique and different experiences to delight. For Those Under 25 You came from seeing the reels, follow me, don't worry I won't follow you back. We are probably quite rightly mismatched on most of our favoured destinations. That said many of the destinations I'm visiting now, probably won't be accessible to you in 30 years, but if you can getting there will probably be 4 times faster The tips and advice on how to get great value when booking trips still apply for now though. Do me a favour though - recommend my blog to your parents and grandparents. For Those Between 25 and 45 Welcome from Instagram. If you’re aged between 25 and 45, you’re likely busy with career-building and possibly raising a family. I'm done with that. Start reading my blog - I like to think I'm still young at heart. Start that bucket list, and Dream about those destinations that you want to visit and plan to make it a reality. Pretty sure some of the destinations that I will blog on will resonate. For Those Between 45 and 55 Hello facebook users. Ages 45 to 55 is when many people start to actively focus on retirement - regardless of your exit point, make time to travel. Reading my blog will give valuable hints and tips to bring down the overall cost of travel - allowing more regular get aways. For Those 55 and Over Hello friends. I don't mind how you found your way here, as this blog is primarily aimed at you. I'm the same age as you, and writing from my own experiences, current travel plans - we should be a match - brothers from different mothers, peas in a pod - you get it.... Sharing the same concerns and frustrations - such as is there a kettle in the room to how do I get from the airport to the hotel. As well as having more time and funds to experience and explore. I will help you make the most of your time. Finding joy in travel or learning something new can lead to great fulfilment. Final Thoughts Explore our articles, participate in discussions, and let’s journey together toward a more secure and fulfilling future. Welcome, once again, to our community! Happy travels! Link to blog posts - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/blog Link to blog search - https://www.retiredcormac.co.uk/search

We had a great night out visiting old and new bars in Belfast - Rattlebag, The Crown, The Observatory and Laverys. TL;DR Going on a pub crawl with my 20 year old daughter was a great night out. We spent a rainy Sunday night in Belfast enjoying the drinks in some of Belfast's most iconic bars. Whilst I told stories of how I spent my early 20's in Belfast. Rattlebag Our adventure kicked off with cocktails at the very nice - Rattlebag. I had been there earlier in the week, and we were maybe a little early, as this place really gets its vibe right when its dard outside. I loved the concept - glass of water, introduced to a refreshing approach to cocktails, all listed on the menu. They looked great and tasted lovely - service was great. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g186470-d23479651-r1023746205-Rattlebag-Belfast_Northern_Ireland.html The Crown Liquor Saloon Next was The Crown - a historic pub from the 19th century - always worth a visit. Walking inside is like stepping into another era. The stunning Victorian decor, complete with stained glass windows and intricate ceilings, created an inviting and grand atmosphere. The booths are great if there is a small crowd of you - but good luck getting one. It seems you can also reserve them. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g186470-d718573-r1024357112-Crown_Liquor_Saloon-Belfast_Northern_Ireland.html The Observatory Another new bar for me. The Observatory is on the top floor of the Grand Central Hotel and has such a fantastic 360 view of Belfast. We worked our way around the windows as I related stories for each new area that we were looking at. Favourite view was over the City Hall, with the cranes in the background. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g186470-d24043561-r1024357683-The_Observatory-Belfast_Northern_Ireland.html Laverys The last stop for the night was Laverys - it has been there as long as I can remember - but has been significantly refurbished since the days I was a student in Belfast. Quick service at the bar, some change, cues and we were set for a few games of pool. It was a nice crowd in there - probably due to it being a Sunday night and just that bit quieter. Again the Guinness was great. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g186470-d24043561-r1024357683-The_Observatory-Belfast_Northern_Ireland.html Pub Crawl Food As the night drew to a close, we had a dodgy pizza from across the road in Shaftsbury Square before getting a taxi out of town. Looking back on our wee adventure. We had shared laughter, stories, committed to doing Park Run together when she is home. We were well behaved and didn't have too many drinks. Lasting Impressions Our pub crawl through Belfast was a fantastic way to explore the city together. From expensive cocktails to history, jaw dropping views to playing an hour of pool - each pub had its own charm, and warmth. If you find yourself in Belfast, take the time to dive into its incredible pub scene. Whether enjoying a quiet pint in a historic establishment or soaking up the lively atmosphere in one of the newer bars, there’s truly something for everyone. Here's our instagram post - https://www.instagram.com/p/DNOJndnsdcz/ Happy Travels!

Close enough to Vik to make it accessible, but far enough off the road to get a feeling of isolation. This campsite is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, lush greenery, and the soothing sounds of nature. From the moment you arrive, the site promises an unforgettable experience that connects you to Iceland's natural splendor. TL;DR This has to be one of the coolest campsites to get to and to stay at. 'Þak' means roof, and 'gil' means canyon - it felt like a very sheltered spot deep into the countryside. Here is a link to the campsite's web page - that should further wet your appetite - https://www.thakgil.is/cabins/?lang=en I'll let the photos do the talking. Accessibility I imagine for someone native to Iceland the journey isn't as much of the rollercoaster of terrified, excited, petrified, elated and finally relieved, as it was for me. The road (road 214) got progressively worse the further out toward the campsite - but very passable - and the views got so much better. I would have stopped and taken some pictures - but was mostly concentrating on the road and hoping that if I did meet anyone coming the other way, that they were more proficient on Icelandic roads than this newbie was. 14km and probably about 40mins later I arrived. As this isn't an F road - its available to anyone with a regular car - just be careful as the gravel can be challenging at times. Facilities The campsite is well-equipped, everything that you would expected, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors, even though you are so far off the beaten track. You can find clean bathrooms and hot showers. The coolest thing was the naturally formed cave - which had been set up as a dining room - with ample room to cook over a grill and eat around the fireplace. Cabins For those not wishing to camp in a tent or van - I had my trusty van, there are also cabins available for rent. Hiking Adventures Await One of Þakgil’s main attractions is its access to some of Iceland's most stunning hiking trails. The campsite serves as an excellent base for exploring diverse landscapes. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, there are suitable options for every level of experience. The Dream Having just read 'The Dream' on their website - I'm excited. Accommodation built into the walls of the mountain sounds brilliant. Having visited once before, I would have liked to have returned. If the dream ever becomes reality then it will be a definite visit. Practical Tips for Your Visit When planning a trip to Þakgil, keeping a few practical tips in mind can enhance your experience: Book in Advance : During peak summer months, the campsite can fill up quickly. Pack Accordingly : Iceland’s weather is unpredictable Þakgil campsite near Vik in Iceland is a hidden gem that offers a perfect mix of adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty. Whether hiking through stunning landscapes, observing wildlife, or stargazing under the clear night sky, every visit to Þakgil is a unique experience.

Full disclosure - for one reason or another I have an irrational fear of wasps. I know its irrational, and to a limited degree I am able to control it, but most times the way they fly, or the sound they make, is enough to put me into blind panic mode. TL;DR Wasps - I find it best to try to understand your fears and use that new found knowledge to try to help manage those fears, and if it doesn't work first time, to try again. In my case with wasps, the fear started as far back as I can remember, and is still with me at 56 years of age. I have tried to understand wasps a little better over this time span - this time documenting my research. Why Wasps Act Like a Larger Lout in September Why do wasps go round looking for a fight in September, its generally when they are at their height of being a complete an utter pest. In September - in the UK anyway, a number of factors combine together with a net effect - that changes a clean living, hardworking 9 to 5 standard wasp into a twat. Unemployment: Worker wasps spend most of the summer collecting protein (such as insects) to feed the larvae back at the nest. When the larvae mature, and no longer need the support the worker wasps become the equivalent of empty nesters. They have a shift in purpose that they find difficult to accept. Preparing for an over wintering, they seek out more calorific food - carbohydrates and sugars. End of Nest Cycle: By September, the wasp colony is reaching the end of its cycle, and the original queen has often died. The remaining worker wasps are less focused and less disciplined, leading to increased foraging activity, and a greater chance of encountering humans.  Shorter Days: The shorter daylight hours as the summer draws to a close mean wasps are busier during the day, spending more time outside foraging for food and less time inside the nest. They may also be attracted to artificial lights, leading to them entering homes.  Increased Aggression: When wasps are feeding on rotting fruit, that has feremented and contains alcohol they can become intoxicated, drunk or hung over - they are more easily wound up and like humans more likely to get into a fight. This increased aggression means a greater likelihood of stinging if they feel threatened. Pheromone Response: If a wasp stings or is squashed, it releases a pheromone that can attract other wasps to the same area, making it seem like they are swarming.  They Are Essential Bees often get the spotlight for their pollination efforts, but wasps are important players too. Wasps serve as nature's pest controllers by preying on a variety of insects. This natural predation plays a crucial role in reducing pest populations, which helps farmers avoid the use of chemical pesticides. Essential but still annoying Wasps may often be labeled as pests, but they are crucial to our ecosystems. From their intriguing life cycles to their important roles as pollinators and pest controllers, wasps deserve our understanding and appreciation. The next time you encounter a wasp, pause for a moment to appreciate its role in nature. They are not just pesky stingers; they are vital contributors to the health of our environment. I'll be running the other direction waving my arms in the air in an irrational manner. Happy travels!

This recipe will make approx 12 lovely scones, and takes only 30mins. Ingredients 1/4 pack butter - approx 62.5g - melted 2 cups of flour + 2 x the volume of the melted butter 1 tablespoon of sugar 1 cup of butter milk In summary it's 2 parts dry to 1 wet parts wet. Method - Scones Mix the sugar and flour together in a bowl. These are your dry ingredients. If you haven't already, melt the butter into a liquid. The microwave does this well - few seconds at a time until its liquid or you will be cleaning that microwave. Add the melted butter to the butter milk and give it a bit of a stir. Make a hole in the dry ingredients, and add the wet ingredients Mix gently to make into a soft dough Flour a surface lightly so the dough doesn't stick, and also a little flour on top so the rolling pin doesn't stick. Roll out to around 1cm - if you're doing it right - there won't be any cracks in the dough. Use a pastry cutter to create round pucks. Don't waste any of the dough - just remix the off cuts, roll out and cut some more pucks. Good luck with the last one - it will look nasty. That will be yours. Place them on a oven tray - the ugly one will need its own tray as it doesn't look aesthetically pleasing along side all the previously perfectly formed pucks. Brush with a little milk Bake in the oven for 10-14 mins at 220c. Put the kettle on and make a pot of tea. Keep an eye on the scones until they turn a nice golden colour on top. Rest in a tea towel on a wire rack. Best eaten there and then while they are hot with some butter and jam. Grab that big ugly one that was the last one made, use some extra jam as you deserve a reward for making the scones, and enjoy with that tea you've just made. Delicious!

Around 2021, there was a great British Airways holidays offer when visiting Monaco TL;DR The deal was that a return helicopter transfer between Nice airport and Monaco was included free of charge when booking a flight and hotel deal with BA Holidays in Monaco. Travel from the heliport to the hotel was also included. You could do it as a short break - typically costing around £300 per person - for economy flights, hotel, and return helicopter and shuttle transfer. The helicopter transfer time was a mere 10 mins once you got past the check in process, comparing well with the alternative of the train. Passport to Monaco It was called ‘Passport to Monaco’ sponsored by the Monaco tourist board rather than BA. It also came with a load of other freebee visits that more than filled the days in Monaco Too Expensive It’s a common misconception that Monaco is expensive. Yes it can be - there are some horribly expensive restaurants and coffee shops - I got caught out with a coffee and a sandwich once - never again. But if you do your research it’s quite easy to have a great time without breaking the bank. Normal people live there too, and if you walk any sort of distance you quickly find yourself in France. I remain vigilant for this offer returning as it’s a cool way of arriving into Monaco from Nice - especially when you call dibs on the front seat. Happy travels!

Scrabo tower is 41m high and is built on a hill near Newtownards, Northern Ireland. It is visible from many miles away. Currently this iconic structure, hasn't actually got a lot to offer the visitor, other than a steep walk and a breathtaking 360 degree views. TL;DR I visited Scrabo Tower last week and wanted to know a little more about its history. The Origins of Scrabo Tower Scrabo Tower was constructed in 1857 as a memorial to the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, Charles William, who was known for his contributions to the local community and his significant role in the area’s development. The tower was funded by the public - which demonstrates how much the local community valued the marquess and his contributions. At 168 years old, it remains a solid structure that is in good shape - which is impressive given its exposed position. And it doesn't look to be going anywhere in the next 168 years. Architectural Features Scrabo Tower is a prime example of the Scottish Baronial style - I'm not sure what that means. The tower appears to be currently closed to visitors - according to the Discover Northern Ireland website - but there is a virtual tour available here - https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/scrabo-tower-p675451 Planning Your Visit to Scrabo Tower If you are thinking of visiting Scrabo Tower, here are some practical tips. The tower is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available nearby. It is well-signposted, making it easy to find even for first-time visitors. 30mins to an hour is plenty of time for a visit - its a pleasant stop for a short walk.