Cheira a Lisboa

“Cheira bem, já tem sol, Cheira a lua, cheira a Lisboa” which translates as “Smells good, it’s sunny, smells like the moon, smells like Lisbon”. The song by Belgium born Wendy Nazaré and French singer Pep’s, is about the delights of Lisbon as well as referring to historical events such as the Great Earthquake of …

Adieu les tours de La Rochelle

“Farewell to the towers of La Rochelle” sang “Les Binuchards” a French “rock festif” group based in Gémozac about an hours drive south of La Rochelle about a sailor setting out on a voyage. The towers of La Rochelle refer to the three towers that formed part of the towns historic fortifications. The Saint Nicolas …

Perth is a culture shock

Maybe not so much today, but back in the 1970s it might have felt that way. Along with Honolulu, Perth is one of the remotest cities in the world. “Perth is a culture shock” by the Perth based “The Victims” who were a punk band active from 1977 to 1979. The actual track was not …

I’m going to Barbados

“Welcoming you aboard Coconut Airways Flight three-seven-two to Bridgetown, Barbados”. The song “Barbados” topped the charts in August 1975. Written by two Welsh engineers who had not been bus drivers and not lived in Brixton. If fact the inspiration came from a recent trip to Jamaica by one of the band’s members. This small Caribbean …

Viva Las Vegas

And how I wish that there were moreThan twenty-four hours in the day.But even if there were forty more,I wouldn’t sleep a minute away.Oh, there’s blackjack and poker and a roulette wheel.A fortune won and lost on every deal.All you need’s a strong heart and a nerve of steel. “Viva Las Vegas” was the title …

Beware of Dennis the Menace.

So sang Rosemary Clooney in 1953.  Over 50 years later and after being battered by Ciara, this weekend it was our turn to “Beware of Dennis”.  The name Dennis itself derives from Greek and means follower of Dionysios. So this time out we head off to Greece for a holiday of a lifetime. The birthplace …

Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take you to Bermuda, Bahamas

Have you been windswept, battered and soaked by Storm Ciara? Then think back to September 2019, Hurricane Dorian hit the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama island causing $3.4bn worth of damage, 70 people lost their lives and as of November 2019 282 people were still listed as missing. If you are thinking of a getaway, …

‘Wah Gwaan’

“What’s Up?” Not much as you look at the grey sky and the rain pouring down. Wouldn’t you rather be somewhere warm surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Caribbean. This is the perfect time of year to be thinking of a wonderful holiday on the beautiful island of Jamaica. Jamaica has …