Page 50 – A Brit and A Southerner

Saturday Snaps #15 – Québec City Cannonball Tree

Photographs

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Oct 11, 2014

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quebec city cannonball tree

Location: Tree is located in the heart of Vieux Québec City, Canada.

Author: Chris & Heather Boothman (A Brit & A Southerner)

Description: Today’s image of the week features a unique yet iconic landmark in Québec City. When you are walking around the ‘old’ downtown area of the city, just inside the fortified walls is a tree with a cannonball at the base.

During our recent trip to Québec City, we walked the streets of Vieux Québec and stumbled across this random tree. If you are interested in seeing more of our pictures from our trip there, check out our gallery here.

So what is the story behind the infamous cannonball tree?

There are two different stories relating to this cannonball so I will leave it up to you to decide which is more plausible. The first dates back to the Battle of Québec in the mid 18th Century and the story suggests the cannonball landed here at the base of the tree and over the years became embedded as the tree continued to grow. Feasible? Possibly!

If you are still convinced by this story, perhaps this alternative will convince you. The cannonball was intentionally placed here in order to protect the tree from the wheels of the horse-drawn carriages.

I personally favor the first option and the decision was made to leave the cannonball in place given that the tree continued to grow and it provides an iconic landmark for Québec City in the present day.

Let us know which theory you prefer or perhaps you have your own idea behind this iconic landmark!

St. Andrews – Experience the Home of Golf

Chris Boothman

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Oct 10, 2014

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St. Andrews – Experience the Home of Golf

The crowd goes silent around the 18th green at St. Andrews as he lines up a putt to win the Open Championship. The walk across the Swilcan Bridge crossing the 18th fairway was just as iconic as he imagined. The only sound are the waves from St. Andrews Bay that runs parallel to the Old Course. The moment he has been waiting for his whole life is right in front of him. Will he make history and get his name on the Claret Jug?

Don’t worry, if you are not at all interested in golf, St. Andrews is much more than just a famous golf course, though I will admit that as you stroll around the town centre, pretty much the focal point of everything is golf related. I will share with you a couple of reasons why you need to experience this gorgeous part of Eastern Scotland.

I have visited St. Andrews on three separate occasions now but our most recent trip was during the Ryder Cup 2014 weekend at Gleneagles. St. Andrews is located about 40 minutes from Gleneagles and I am sure many of the American supporters decided to pay a visit to the Home of Golf along with many other tourists.

The Home of Golf

If you are an avid golfer like myself, you can probably relate to that short introduction. That is exactly what was running through my mind as I stood on the 18th hole at the ‘Home of Golf’. St. Andrews is the ultimate destination for any golfer around the world. Golfers flock here daily to add their name to the ballot to hopefully get the opportunity to stride around the most famous course in the world of golf.

Although I have yet to play this prestigious course (I have every intention of changing this!), just setting foot on the hallowed turf is enough to get the goosebumps tingling in the back of your neck. We arrived at the Old Course just before sunset and this proved to be a perfect opportunity to see a few of the late starters finish their rounds along with capture a few memorable pictures of the Old Course Hotel, Clubhouse and of course ‘the links’ themselves!

The first thing you notice at St. Andrews when you step on the first tee is just how wide a target you have to aim for. All of the 1st and 18th fairways are merged together so you can’t miss the fairway right? Well, I am sure when you step on that teebox for the very first time the target is probably a little smaller than you imagine as a spectator. Beware of the Swilcan Burn though with your tee shot because on those St. Andrews links, the ball just keeps running and running.

We walked down the side of the 1st fairway to the green before crossing over to the iconic Road Hole bunker by the 17th green and looking back towards the 18th hole and clubhouse. What a stunning view – that’s pretty much all I can say! If you are not impressed by this view, you are not a true golfer.

Even if golf isn’t your thing, I am sure you will appreciate the beauty of the natural landscape around St. Andrews and the surrounding Bay. Take a stroll along the beach and you will be astounded by the stunning scenery that makes up this part of Scotland. It is no wonder that the origins of golf date back to here because they certainly picked a great part of the world to find our beloved game!

St. Andrews University

Do you know anyone who has attended St. Andrew’s University? I personally have a friend who went to university there but I am sure you are probably not thinking of him, rather one of the most famous individuals not only in England but throughout the world – Prince William!

Prince William loved the town of St. Andrews so much that he decided this was the best fit for him to study Geography and earn a Scottish Master of Arts degree. When you walk around the relatively small town centre, you will see why this would be a perfect fit for royalty. The agreement was made with the media that they would leave him alone for the four years he was studying and by all accounts they kept their promise. Of course, this was also the institution attended by Kate Middleton and the place where the two first met.

The University of St Andrews as it is officially known, dates back to the early 15th Century and you can certainly see this by the architectural design of the campus buildings. For the American readers out there, it is unlike any American campus or even many British university campuses as when you walk around the town at first you probably are not aware that you are at the heart of a college campus.

Some of the most iconic buildings on the St. Andrews campus include St. Salvator’s Quad, University Hall (both of which are residence halls) and St. Salvator’s Chapel which sits behind the quad.

Walking around you will likely see many buildings that are affiliated with the university, ranging from the administrative sections to the student union and halls of residence. If you are able to experience St. Andrews while university is in session, just take a moment to see all of the students walking back and forth to classes or popping in to the union for a bite to eat! Trust me, the student’s are likely to be easily identifiable.

Explore the Streets of St. Andrews

St. Andrews main centre is divided into three main streets that run parallel with each other – North, South and Market Street. Much of St. Andrews University is situated in close proximity to North Street so it is no surprise that much of the buildings you see along here are affiliated with the institution. But it is still really cool to walk down and see the history that has unfolded here.

We walked from the Old Course along Golf Place and then headed down North Street taking in the historic buildings before cutting along one of the cobble stoned streets to get to Market Street. This is where you will see many of the modern day stores such as Starbucks, Tesco Metro along with a variety of restaurants and local establishments that cater to tourists and the student population.

South Street is the next street down from Market Street so feel free to just wander around and take in some of the local shops or sample some stereotypical Scottish cuisine at the cafes here.

Summary

St. Andrews in my opinion will always be about golf, but that’s probably because I am biased! I love visiting this part of Scotland because of the golfing history that has been made here. Having our picture taken on the Swilcan Bridge is definitely a memory I will cherish as the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer have had their pictures taken similarily here!

If you are planning on visiting Scotland any time soon, add St. Andrews to your must-see list of places to visit. It’s only a hour from Edinburgh and a little more from Glasgow, so it is easily accesible from the main Scottish hubs.

An InLinkz Link-up

Travel Tech 101- Travel Stylishly with the Sleeper Scarf

Heather Boothman

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Oct 8, 2014

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Travel Tech 101- Travel Stylishly with the Sleeper Scarf

Have you ever been on a plane and encountered that uncomfortable pain in your neck while traveling in economy class? Well, we can’t all afford to pay for first class travel so we look for alternative methods for comfort.

Thankfully we have stumbled across the Sleeper Scarf – an amazing, innovative design that not only enhances your comfort level on the plane, but also provides a stylish accessory that will keep you looking good and staying warm during those winter months.

What is a Sleeper Scarf?

The Sleeper Scarf by Tiffany Paul is a brand new product on the market that is the ‘first ever scarf with a built-in inflatable neck pillow’. Cool right!

This item may not have any bells and whistles like our previous technology products we reviewed, however the creative design of this accessory qualifies itself for our Travel Tech 101 series!

Add the practicality of this product and innovation that has gone into the duel functionality of the Sleeper Scarf and we feel that is a great addition to your carry on luggage.

Now you can travel fashionably and sleep stylishly!
It’s a scarf and neck pillow in one, easy-to-use travel accessory.

Much of our travel takes place during our weekend getaway road trips and there is nothing worse that being stuck inside the passenger seat of the car hour after hour. With the Sleeper Scarf, I am now able to travel in comfort and this really does help the long road trips pass by without ensuing neck pain.

This product is an infinity scarf that has a built in pillow, you simply blow air into the pillow and you are good to go, when you want to deflate you simply press a button and it stores easily in your bag.

A Fashion Product

The Sleeper Scarf is a unique invention that introduces fashion as a functional travel gadget. I have to admit that I have never been a true proponent of ‘traveling fashionably’ but after using the Sleeper Scarf, I can honestly say that this is a true fashion item!

Tiffany Paul has done a great job introducing a fashionable accessory that all females use at some point in their day to day life and when you combine this with the neck pillow you really have a successful product.

The sleeper scarf comes in an array of colors and at a cost of $65.00, it is less than a good neck pillow and a thick high quality infinity scarf.

Pros

Thick material
Easy to use
Easy to clean
Adjustable to fit comfort

Cons

This is a great product that we feel has no cons

Summary

Since all planes are different climates, I would wear layers to make sure I don’t freeze or burn up. However, I don’t have to worry about that any longer since I was introduced to the Sleeper Scarf.

I have looked at various infinity scarfs before but never wanted to pay the high price for them. When you find one that has multi-purpose functionality, it certainly makes it easier to purchase the product.

Discount Alert (Valid Through October 2014)

***We are also delighted to announce that if you are interested in purchasing one of these Sleeper Scarfs, you can get $10 off your order by using the coupon code ABS10 through the end of October, 2014.***

Ladies, believe me when I say this is a product you have to try!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: A Brit & A Southerner was not financially compensated for this post. We received a free sample of the Sleeper Scarf from Tiffany Paul for consideration of review purposes only. This is solely our personal opinion/experience*

The Grand Tour – Explore 20 of Copenhagen’s Finest Attractions

Chris Boothman

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Oct 6, 2014

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The Grand Tour – Explore 20 of Copenhagen’s Finest Attractions

Determining the best way to explore any city requires some planning but usually we find that getting out on your own two feet and wandering around is the best way to find hidden gems along with the main tourist attractions! Our recent trip to Copenhagen was no different as we took a really insightful walking tour around many of the leading attractions, but the downside to doing this is that you are really only able to see so much in a short timeframe.

As we were only in Copenhagen for a little over 24 hours, we wanted to really maximize our time and also see as many attractions as possible. Well, thanks to Strömma we were able to experience the amazing Grand Tour of Copenhagen – a beautiful hour long canal boat tour that enables you to learn more about the history of Denmark and see a variety of iconic buildings and modern day structures. There are a plethora of things to do in Copenhagen and there is no between way to experience them by taking the Grand Tour.

History of Strömma and Canal Tours

Strömma Danmark is part of Strömma Turism & Sjöfart AB and is one of the leading adventure companies throughout Scandinavia.

Our mission is to create experiences. Experiences that entertains, educates and will result in lifelong memories.

Taking a tour of Copenhagen by canal boat is intriguing, exciting and of course extremely memorable with the breathtaking scenery and attractions you take in along the tour. We can certainly attest to the Grand Tour certainly creating an experience that educated us, entertained us and generated lifelong memories that we can take away with us.

Copenhagen’s canal tours date back to the early 1900s and the first guided tour took place in 1948. It is no surprise that this became an instant hit with locals and tourists alike as it’s evolution and technology of the boats continue to make this a great way to see Copenhagen.

The Grand Tour Information

If you plan on taking the Grand Tour, the first thing to note is the two docks where you can take the tour from. We opted for Nyhavn but it is also possible to take the tour from Gammel Strand, dependent on which is more convenient. Make sure you plan in advance which dock you intend to get on the boat as the times differ at both locations.

Tickets are available to purchase either online or at one of the ticket offices. Admission is 75DKK ($15) for adults and 35DKK ($7) for children under the age of 11. This is definitely good value for money as it provides such a unique way to see Copenhagen.

If you are leaving from Nyhavn as we did, depending on the weather will determine if the boats can pass under some of the bridges in Nyhavn Harbour. If not, your guide will collect you from the ticket office and lead you to the boat, a short walk down the harbour. We were very fortunate to have a great guide who was particularly knowledgeable on all of Copenhagen’s leading attractions that we passed by on the tour.

20 Attractions Along the Grand Tour

Depending on which harbour you leave from will determine the order in which you visit these attractions but given that we left from Nyhavn, I am going to share the order that we experienced them.

1. Nyhavn Harbour

Technically this is not one of the ‘advertised’ attractions along the tour, but the beauty of the buildings and all of the boats docked in Nyhavn Harbour make this a very attractive destination worth exploring. You can sample some of Copenhagen’s finest cuisine in one of the many restaurants along Nyhavn, or as we did sample a delectable Danish hotdog from one of the local vendors.

2. Experimentarium City

One of the more modern designs in Copenhagen, Experimentarium City is a great place to take the kids to have a hands on experience. Seeing the impressive, modern day architectural Danish design of the building was enough to make us think this would be a really cool experience.

3. The Opera House

The national Opera House of Denmark, this is one of the most modern opera houses around the world located on the island of Holmen in Copenhagen. I am easily impressed when it comes to fine architecture and I am glad that we were able to pause for a few minutes to take in the beautiful design of this building. I definitely would love to return here to experience a play or other attraction inside the Opera House.

4. The Sixtus Battery

Part of the Holmen neighbourhood which was the former home of the Royal Danish Naval base, the Sixtus Battery is an impressive guardhouse that we passed en route to the ‘open water’ leg of the Grand Tour. The naval base was closed in 1993 and now occupies just the Royal Danish Naval Academy on Nyholm (one of the islands that make up the cluster known as Holmen).

5. Trekroner Fortress

Famously known as the sea fort to Copenhagen, Trekroner Fort was a key focal point when the British invaded Copenhagen in 1807. It was opened to the public in 1984 when it no longer was utilized as a military barracks.

6. Cruise Ship Harbour

Cruise Ship Harbour or Langelinie is a key hub for cruise ships to port as they embark on Baltic State tours and also cruises to Greenland and Iceland among others.

7. The Little Mermaid

Possibly the most famous landmark in all of Copenhagen, the Little Mermaid is an iconic bronze statue that sits by the waterside of the Langelinie harbour. Based upon the fairytale story by Copenhagen native, Hans Christian Andersen, it is no surprise that this structure is visited by millions of tourists every year.

8. Kastellet

We actually walked around Kastellet prior to taking the tour and it really is cool to see the layout of this fortress. There are a number of attractions inside including a church, windmill and buildings that still house various military activities but today it is most commonly known as a public tourist attraction.

9. Gefions Fountain

A large iconic fountain next to the Kastellet fortress, Gefions fountain features a number of animal figures lead by the legenedary Nordic goddess, Gefjon. It sits directly in front of St. Alban’s Church which is an English Anglican church.

10. Amalienborg Palace

The winter home of the Danish royal family, Amalienborg Palace is a rich iconic structure that stands proudly on the Copenhagen harbour front. The various royal residences that collectively comprise this palace are all lavishly designed and provide a perfect icon for Danish grandeur.

11. Royal Danish Playhouse

The home of the Royal Danish Theatre, this is yet another really cool, modern designed piece of architecture. Copenhagen really has a nice blend of modern designs mixed in with the historic buildings and palaces that continue to play an integral part in the landscape here.

12. Nordatlantens Brygge

Nordatlantens Brygge is a cultural centre in Copenhagen that is dedicated to promoting the cultural arts and other iconic Danish memorabilia. Even though this building was once an old maritime warehouse, it still provides a great spot to explore if you want to learn more about Denmark among other North Atlantic nations.

13. Christiania

As we passed by the area of Christiania, I was trying to compare what I saw with a review I had read prior to heading to Copenhagen on Trip Advisor that indicated this was the third most popular tourist attraction in Denmark! At first glance there really isn’t anything to it but perhaps that is just because you are on a boat. However, the quirkiness and uniqueness of the ‘freetown’ neigborhood is what makes this such a popular spot for visitors.

14. Our Saviours Church

If there is one iconic attraction that I would have to loved to experience up close, it would be Our Saviors Church simply because of the gorgeous spiral staircase that you can climb to the summit and overlook the gorgeous city from a birds eye view. This corkscrew style staircase is definitely worth experiencing I am sure and hopefully next time we head to Denmark we can take a stroll up these stairs.

15. The Black Diamond

Another ultra-modern design of a building is the Black Diamond which is an extension to the Royal Danish Library. This tour certainly proves that Copenhagen is a great city to explore if you have any interest in modern architecture, something you probably wouldn’t associate at first glance with Denmark’s capital.

16. The National Museum of Denmark

Enough of the current day architecture!! Let’s go back in time and experience one of the more archaic buildings, the National Museum of Denmark. Opened in 1849, this houses Denmark’s largest collection of cultural history along with a variety of collections that have been donated from around the world.

17. Christiansborg Palace

The home of the Danish parliament can be found inside Christiansborg Palace. The present building is the third ‘castle’ to be constructed on this particular site, the first being built in the 12th century. The exterior of the building still reflects the traditional architectural design of the original castle and inside there are remains of each of the iterations, each one lost due to major fires that raged through the buildings in past centuries.

18. Stroget

Stroget is Copenhagen’s finest shopping district and houses many of the world’s leading designer brands alongside many local establishments. You can’t really see this from the Grand Tour but the moment you get off in either Gammel Strand or Nyhavn, I would highly recommend heading over there if you want some Danish retail therapy.

19. The Old Stock Exchange

One of the oldest buildings throughout Copenhagen is the Old Stock Exchange. Referred to as Børsen, the construction of this dates back to the early 17th century. The most prominent aspect of this building as you pass by is the dragon shaped spire that towers above the rest of the building. Apparently the design is of four dragon tails intertwined together.

20. Danish Architecture Centre

The final leg of the Grand Tour before heading back to the Nyhavn Harbour passes by the Danish Architecture Centre. It’s interesting to note that passing by here our guide informed us that one of Denmark’s finest restaurants can be find near here!

Summary

Exploring a city using a different form of transportation than the norm is a really cool experience and I would highly recommend taking the Grand Tour of Copenhagen by Strömma.

The best thing about this tour aside from the experience of going under some really low bridges (I mean low because if you are standing outside you need to duck your head!!) is that you are able to catch a glimpse of all the above mentioned attractions and figure out which you want to explore further.

We would like to thank Strömma for providing us with complimentary tickets to take this tour in return for consideration of a blog post. The opinions in this post are entirely ours from our personal experience on the Grand Tour.

Saturday Snaps #14 – Habitat 67

Photographs

Chris Boothman

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Oct 4, 2014

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Location: Habitat 67 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Author: Lauren @ Justin Plus Lauren

Description: Prior to visiting Montreal in the summer of 2013, we had only seen photographs of Habitat 67, a futuristic-looking model housing complex that was originally built as a pavilion for Expo 67. We discovered how interesting this architectural landmark truly was when we saw Habitat for ourselves.

Situated beside a nearby park and along a waterfront bicycle path, Habitat 67 has become known as both a modern architectural marvel, and conversely, one of the ugliest living communities in the world.

What do you think? We think that it is incredibly unique and stunning!

You can reach more of Lauren and Justin’s great work at their website and the following social media networks:

Website: Justin Plus Lauren

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/justinpluslauren

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinLaurenXO

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/justinlaurenxo/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JustinPlusLauren

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/justinpluslauren

Instagram: http://instagram.com/justinpluslauren

Let Your Hair Down at Tivoli Gardens

Chris Boothman

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Oct 3, 2014

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When you think about the main reasons to visit Copenhagen, I am sure that some of the top responses would include the Little Mermaid, Hans Christian Andersen and of course Tivoli Gardens.

We were fortunate to set foot in Tivoli Gardens twice during our visit to Copenhagen. Ok, so they were both on the same day but we decided to visit during the day and also in the evening for the finale of the season’s illumination and firework extravaganza.

Visiting Copenhagen would not be the same without allocating some time to experience this theme park that effectively blends the ancient history with modern day technologies that you see throughout many of the world’s leading theme parks.

As the title of this post goes, you simply have to ‘let your hair down’ when visiting Tivoli Gardens and allow yourself to go back to those childhood years when experiencing theme parks was all about having fun!

History of Tivoli Gardens

The history of Tivoli Gardens dates back to 1843 when the gates first opened and is the world’s second oldest amusement park after Dyrehavsbakken that is also located in Denmark (I guess Denmark can lay claim to being the founders of amusement parks around the world!)

One of the most famous visitors to Tivoli during the opening year was Hans Christian Andersen who was inspired to write about the emperor’s gardens during his experience on the last day of the season in October. An interesting comparison is that we visited Tivoli on the last day of the season for the firework festivities, so perhaps we will gain similar inspiration to write something equally creative!

Rides

Whether you are interested in sampling the historic classic rollercoaster or the modern day ‘Vertigo’ ride, there is something at Tivoli Gardens for everyone. Heather isn’t a huge fanatic of rollercoasters and honestly neither am I so just seeing these from a distance is good enough for me. I think my experiences date back to suffering a hangover in Benidorm, Spain and then heading to the local theme park – not a good combination I should add!

Tivoli Gardens has some really spectacular rides though for all ages and tastes. The more extravagant are a little more expensive but clearly worthwhile if you want the ‘thrill a minute’ ride. Heather would have been satisfied taking a ride on the classic carousel or the ferris wheel but given our time was minimal, we restrained ourselves from sampling these.

Entertainment

Experiencing theme park rides may not be your cup of tea but no fear, there are plenty of other entertainment options available at Tivoli Gardens that will occupy your time as you wander around the historic grounds of the park. Whether you want to spend time in the Tivoli Aquarium or watch one of the live shows at the Open Air stage, there is something that will likely spark an interest.

We spent quite a bit of time just wandering around exploring Tivoli Gardens and even if you don’t feel like participating in an activity or spending the extra kroner to experience the tropical coral reef, just taking in the Tivoli atmosphere is worthwhile.

The quaint Danish decor and architecture that is present through this theme park is unique and definitely reflects the 150 year old history that is confined within the grounds. However, Tivoli Gardens is clearly well maintained and the Copenhagen locale idolizes this landmark as a stereotypical reflection of society here.

I have to admit that one of my favorite attractions was the very colorful Chinese style pantomime theater. Even though we didn’t get to see the live pantomime or ballet shows in action, I can just imagine sitting on the grassy lawn and learning about Danish culture through a performance here.

One parade that we did see was the junior Tivoli Boys Guard that marched through the park to rapturous applause from onlookers. They really showed pride and honor as they made their way past the various attractions and really showed a true reflection of the senior Queen’s Royal Guard.

The evening entertainment during the ‘high season’ is definitely worth experiencing, and we were fortunate to be visiting on the last day. At 9:45PM every day, Tivoli Gardens is lit up with an illumination show that is found on buildings, fountains, amusement rides and of course surrounding Tivoli lake.

However, the real show begins just prior to the park closing when a magnificent firework display is generated from the top of the Concert Hall and the Copenhagen sky is illuminated with an energetic performance in conjunction with background music.

We really enjoyed spending a couple of hours in the evening relaxing as we walked around Tivoli and then heading to the grassy lawn by the open air stage to take in the plethora of fireworks that were sent into the evening sky.

Dining and Shopping

Still not convinced that Tivoli Gardens is worthy of your time? Perhaps sampling some of Denmark’s finest traditional cuisine or wandering into a quaint shop to taste Danish liquorice would convince you!

In fact, the variety of cuisine options at Tivoli Gardens is endless and there are an abundance of delicacies available for your sampling. We opted for the Fish and Chips which was a little overpriced (I should add that this is the case with many spots inside Tivoli Gardens, but generally speaking this can be expected inside tourist attractions) but very tasty! 100 DKK which is equivalent to around $20 for one fish and chips and a refillable drink could be considered as extortionate robbery but the reality is if you are hungry you will pay it.

The refill station concept was interesting as you are given a RFID band around your wrist that you need to take to one of the refill stations around Tivoli Gardens, scan your band and then press your preferred drink to refill your bottle. The problem is that everything is timed so you only have less than 30 seconds to refill your bottle which is difficult when you are dealing with soda! I realize that ‘free’ refills are a strange concept to most countries outside the US but Tivoli’s system probably needs a little tweaking to make it efficient.

If you have a sweet tooth, there are various ice-cream options to choose from but I would highly recommend heading into Bolchekogeriet which is home to homemade boiled sweets and of course the infamous liquorice. Try a free sample and you may just be tempted to purchase some for your journey home!

Overall Tivoli Gardens Experience

Everything inside Tivoli Gardens offers a unique perspective on the life and culture of Denmark throughout the last 150 years. As you walk by Tivoli Lake taking in the gorgeous fountains, or admire the beauty of the floral arrangements scattered around the grounds, I am convinced there will be something that you will leave with a lasting memory of.

Our time at Tivoli Gardens may only have given us a brief insight into what you can do here, but it has certainly given us an indication that we can’t wait to go back there one day to experience! It is clearly a haven for children but also for adults who can be taken back to their childhood years as you walk through this Danish masterpiece.

Disclaimer: We were guests of Tivoli Gardens and received two complimentary photography passes to take pictures in consideration for a blog post review. All of the information contained above is entirely our own personal opinions.

Hotel SP34 – Copenhagen’s Finest Luxury Boutique

Denmark

Chris Boothman

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Oct 1, 2014

12

Hotel SP34 – Copenhagen’s Finest Luxury Boutique

If you plan on visiting Copenhagen in the near future, I would highly recommend checking out the Hotel SP34 located in the Latin Quarter of the downtown district. Prior to heading to Copenhagen, we wanted to find a hotel that provided a unique representation of the Danish culture, and without doubt Hotel SP34 achieves this in a variety of ways.

Oozing charismatic class and boutique luxury, Hotel SP34 offers guests the ultimate relaxation package with a variety of rooms available and a stereotypical Danish ambience that flows throughout the hotel.

From the captivating room décor to the bike on the wall in the lobby, Hotel SP34 is definitely an option worth considering if you are interested in being engulfed in Danish culture.

Hotel SP34 History

Hotel SP34 is a 4+ boutique hotel located in Copenhagen’s old Latin Quarter and recently opened its doors to guests in April 2014.

Part of the Brøchner Hotels group, Hotel SP34 is the third member in Copenhagen’s city centre alongside the Hotel Danmark and Hotel Astoria. It is no surprise after staying at Hotel SP34 that Brøchner Hotels received the accolade of best hotel chain in the 2012 Danish Travel Awards.

The hotel is situated only a short walking distance from the City Hall Square, Tivoli Gardens and the Strøget pedestrian zone. However, it is among an abundance of other bohemian type buildings with high ceilings, vintage architecture and a university environment throughout the district.

The Room

Our stay at Hotel SP34 was only for one night and we stayed in a Suite on the third floor. The hotel has various elevators that lead you to the appropriate wing of the hotel and ours was conveniently located near Elevator A.

Walking the halls to get to our room was an experience on it’s own as you pass by some really cool architectural designs on the walls along with passing by the room numbered lights that add an extra European boutique feel to the hotel.

Entering our suite, we were immediately left in awe at the beauty of our room. Spacious, comfortable and modern design are all words that spring to mind when describing our room. A bedroom, living area and bathroom made up our suite and all provided unique characteristics that reflected the mood throughout the hotel.

The lone pillar in the center of the living room added a real rustic feel, but the minor touches such as the coffee table and lighting choices further complimented the overall feel of the room.

Our bed was extremely comfortable despite it’s particularly unique design. At first glance, you think it’s a typical King sized bed but closer inspection makes you realize that there are two individual headboards in the shape of a chair and individual quilts which provide a comfortable spot to rest following your travels around Copenhagen.

The bathroom offered a bath, which seemed to be bigger than a traditional size and a walk-in shower that for Heather in particular is a huge selling point for any hotel. I know this hotel is relatively new, but the pristine condition of the crisp white décor along with the stainless steel finish really make this an inviting room.

The Breakfast Experience

As you head down the elevator to the basement of Hotel SP34 for breakfast, you really have no clue as to the experience you are about to have. The breakfast room has a wine-cellar feel to it yet with the cold buffet at the front and the chefs working tirelessly in the back, it really provides a perfect setting to achieve the Danish boutique breakfast.

Hotel SP34 emphasizes that 90-100% of all their ingredients are organic.

Our breakfast consisted of an initial sampling of Danish cheeses with accompanying meats. Combine this with your own cuts of Danish rye bread, and you have a really delicious start to the day.

Other options include fruit bowls and yogurt/granola dishes so there is plenty of variety available dependent on your preference.

Sitting in the back corner of the room next to a wine rack consisting of a plethora of vintage red wines, our friendly waitress offered us options from the hot menu. I opted for the 2 fried eggs, sausage and pancake while Heather went for the scrambled eggs, bacon and pancake choice.

The food arrived shortly after and I have to admit this was probably the most disappointing aspect of the whole stay. Regardless of this, the sausages were excellent but the eggs were a little over cooked and this negative feedback is purely from my personal experience and preference.

Overall, breakfast was a huge success and I wish we were able to stay at Hotel SP34 longer just to sample the myriad of breakfast options every morning.

The Lobby and Wine Hour

Guests are invited to an evening soiree between 5-6PM to sample a glass of wine with fellow guests at Hotel SP34. Served on the house, this is a great incentive for folks to mingle and relax in the prestigious lobby area, either on one of the comfortable sofas or at one of the tables if you prefer to catch up on some work with a glass of your favorite wine.

The old bicycle on the wall is the distinctive focal point in the lobby and for anyone who hasn’t visited Copenhagen, the moment you step off the metro or out of a taxi you will immediately notice the iconic representation of the Danish bicycle.

With lanes dedicated to cyclists throughout the city and every street housing numerous bikes, it is no wonder that Hotel SP34 opted for a bicycle to depict the Danish culture from the moment guests check-in to the hotel.

Restaurants and Bars

If you prefer to wine and dine at one of Hotel SP34’s very own restaurants, you can sample Copenhagen’s best burgers and cocktails at Cocks & Cows or have a casual dinner in the bustling French/Spanish bistro Bar Moritz.

Interested in experiencing the Danish bar scene? Well, Hotel SP34 have four different bars for guests to choose from including a roof top terrace which is a great addition when weather permits for folks to relax and overlook the surrounding neighborhoods.

The Verdict

Of course our stay in Copenhagen was primarily to explore the Danish capital but I can honestly say that after staying at this Brochner Group hotel, I can’t wait to go back and stay there for longer!

Hotel SP34 is a new establishment in Copenhagen and it will likely take some time for the word to get out that this is a viable option for those looking to stay in a higher-class, luxury boutique type hotel.

However, with the excellent customer service that we experienced and all of the added incentives that I have described previously, I am convinced Hotel SP34 will become one of the most popular hotels in Copenhagen.

Hotel SP34 targets ‘Luxury Bohemians’ amongst business travelers and weekend tourists and I can attest to this hotel really fitting this niche perfectly. We have stayed in a variety of hotels throughout the last 12 months, but our experience at Hotel SP34 in Copenhagen certainly puts this brand near the higher echelons of our recommended places to stay.

Our stay reflected our overall time in Copenhagen – short and sweet yet complimented with a variety of iconic experiences that reflect the Danish culture! Hopefully you will choose to have a similar experience by checking out Hotel SP34.

Disclaimer – We were guests of Hotel SP34 and received a discounted rate in return for consideration of a blog post. The views contained within this post are entirely our personal opinion/experience.

Travel Tech 101 – Cable Organization by Inateck

Travel Tech 101

Heather Boothman

-

Sep 22, 2014

5

Travel Tech 101 – Cable Organization by Inateck

Portability is key when traveling, so when you have a million cables that you have to carry around it is essential that you look for ways to minimize them. By the time we have all of our technology packed I’m praying that I still have room for my toothbrush!

We were recently introduced to 2 amazing products that are a must when we travel now and certainly help minimize the number of cables you have to take with you. Thanks to Inateck who we have featured previously in our Travel Tech 101 series, the following items are really helping us to travel more portably.

2 in 1 Micro USB Cable

USB to Lightning and micro USB are two of the most popular cables and Inateck has focused their efforts to make an all in one cable that achieves both of these.

The 2 in 1 micro USB cable features a USB on one end and micro USB on the other. In addition, there is also a lightning to micro USB female adapter that is included. Both USB and lightning ends have a protective cap when not in use. Not only have I found this cable to be really cool, it is also tangle free due to its flat cable design rather than the stereotypical design you associate with cables.

The cable is 120cm in length which is longer than the majority of comparable cables on the market today. This is available for purchase for as low as $11.99 and I really think this is a bargain given its multiple uses.

Pros

Long cord
Two different ports (Micro USB and Lightning)
Flat cable instead of rolled
Very reasonably priced

Cons

The caps for protection are not attached
Lightning adapter is not attached

3-Port USB Hub with Ethernet Adapter

Many modern day computers are not equipped with Ethernet ports, frequently making it difficult to remain connected while on the go especially when traveling to countries where wi-fi is low quality.

Inateck has developed an adapter that is a Ethernet port along with a 3-port USB hub. Considering that both our computers do not have an Ethernet port and only 2 USB ports this adapter is extremely useful when traveling.

I run out of USB ports all the time with storing photos and putting them on an external hard drive and if I charge my phone as well, just like that, I’m out. The hub is 3.0 USB allowing for faster data transfer. By having an adapter that can handle the use of different devices, it makes it much easier to work and stay organized. This is also available on Amazon for as low as $26.99.

Pros

USB 3.0
Small, compact and lightweight
Built in Ethernet adapter

Cons

Price may be a little expensive for some

Summary

I have found the cons listed above to be very minor and certainly not a deal breaker that would prevent me from purchasing either of these products.

The 2 in 1 micro USB cable is highly recommended for the ease of carrying one cable instead of two and the cord design is convenient for storing when not in use. At the same time, the 3-port USB Hub is great for connecting all of your devices while also providing an outlet to hard-wire your internet connection.

Inateck continues their reputation of providing high quality, low priced products with both these items. I would highly recommend either or both of these especially if you are a frequent traveler.

What products do you use when traveling? How do you keep all of your cables and devices organized? Leave us a comment below we would love to know what gadget you are using!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: A Brit & A Southerner was not financially compensated for this post. We received free samples from Inateck for consideration of review purposes only. This is solely our personal opinion/experience*

Saturday Snaps #13 – Mission San Jose

Photographs

Chris Boothman

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Sep 20, 2014

0

Location: Mission San Jose Church in San Antonio, Texas

Author: Chris & Heather Boothman (A Brit & A Southerner)

Description: During our recent visit to San Antonio, we experienced the San Antonio Mission Trail which encompasses a variety of interesting and gorgeous archaic settlements that were once booming communities during the 19th Century.

The above image depicts the largest of the missions – Mission San Jose, commonly known as the ‘queen’ or ‘mother’ of all the missions as this was a key focal point/hub of the Hispanic movements during the 19th Century. Still an active catholic parish among the local communities, this was an amazing experience to walk around the sacred grounds and learn about the history surrounding not only this location but the other missions that make up the Mission Trail.

Culminating in the most famous mission of them all, the Alamo, the Mission Trail is a great experience to either stroll along the river walk or simply take the short drive to each settlement location. As you can see from this picture, the intricate details that went into the architecture of these churches is particularly impressive, and mention should be given to the national park that currently maintains and renovates these missions as they really keep them in idyllic condition.

You can read all about our experiences along the San Antonio Mission trail here, but I think this image really captures the sense of how all of these come together to form such historic communities. With so much history and heritage here, I would highly encourage anyone visiting Texas to take a trip to the southern part of the state and experience this for yourselves.

Xoximilco – Experience an Evening of Mexican Fiesta

Chris Boothman

-

Sep 19, 2014

29

Xoximilco – Experience an Evening of Mexican Fiesta

Can you think of anything better than sampling authentic Mexican cuisine, listening to live Mariachi music and dancing the night away? If you plan on visiting Cancun or the Quintana Roo area of Mexico, look forward to experiencing an evening of stereotypical Mexican fiesta!

Whether you are a party animal or somewhat laid back, you will find the authentic Mexican experience at Xoximilco to be worthwhile and entertaining. We recently visited Cancun for the TBEX bloggers conference held at Moon Palace and were invited to experience Xoximilco on the pre-BEX Tour.

Xoximilco History

Let’s start by giving a little history on Xoximilco. Unless you are a Mexican native or somewhat familiar with the detailed history behind this, you will likely be asking how on earth do you pronounce Xoximilco. Thanks to our awesome host, Yosef, he delighted in telling us it is very similar to ‘chocolate milk’ with a little extra twist to it.

Still confused? It’s ok, we were too but after a while you learn the art of pronouncing this awesome word without making a fool of yourself in front of your Mexican counterparts.

Xoximilco Cancun is a homage or genuine representation of the original Xoximilco traditions of Mexico City. The idea of bringing this same authenticity to Cancun clearly helps tourism but also enables locals to really experience the traditional fiesta with friends and family.

Xoximilco Experience

Before we arrived at Xoximilco, I was questioning how exactly the evening was going to be structured. Upon arrival, it doesn’t take too long to figure it out. After taking an initial picture, you are guided to the docking area where all the ‘trajineras’ are located. A trajinera is a flat-bottomed boat and is your home for the duration of the 3 hour experience.

Our boat, Viva Michoacan, was full of fellow travel bloggers from around the world and it was great meeting some new friends along the way. After introducing ourselves individually with a brief background on where we are from and of course the embarrassment of shouting some weird yet wonderful sound, we began the tour.

As I mentioned, our guide for the evening was Yosef and steering our vessel around the waterways was Yosef’s compatriot, Josef (sorry, no pun intended with the names I am sure!) The basic structure of the evening involved learning about Mexican culture and experiencing a variety of events such as live music and sampling typical Mexican cuisine.

Live Music

Throughout the evening, the Viva Michoacan docked to various other trajineras, many of which featured Mexican musicians performing admirably into the evening. I couldn’t imagine spending an evening in Cancun any better than listening to live Mariachi music among many other genres which are stereotypical in this part of the world.

Watching the charismatic performers on the Marimba (a Mexican style xylophone) was particularly intriguing and I have to admit that all of the performances left a memorable image in your mind to take away with you.

Mexican Cuisine

The best advice I can give you before taking part in the Xoximilco experience is go into this with a very open mind! I am so glad that I followed my own advice here because otherwise this could have turned into a painful experience, primarily because of the local gastronomy that you are encouraged to sample along the way.

Mexico is famous for many different cuisine types along with a variety of beverages, and throughout the evening you should be prepared to indulge your tastebuds in many of these. The trajinera is packed full of Corona and of course El Jimador Tequila.

Heather can be proud to say that she was the only person on the boat to be a complete ‘newbie’ to tequila but even I can say that she handled it very well throughout the night. Four shots later and she was still upright and dry, so surely this deserves some recognition!

Let’s talk about the cuisine. Have you ever sampled baby crickets before? Sound tasty! I didn’t think so and neither did I prior to this trip but I can now say that I have tried ‘chapulines’. They have a very distinctive taste and honestly the sound of them is much worse that the actual taste. A savory almost spicy texture is the best analysis I can give of chapulines. My advice is try them…close your eyes if you need to but you will likely be pleasantly surprised!

The evening’s cuisine is broken down into three different courses and on each course you are given a platter to sample a small portion of unique Mexican flavors.

Here are the first course options:

Tamales
Oaxaca cheese ball
Fried silversides
Cactus pad salad
Corn on a cup and pear squash
Baby crickets

Here are the second course options:

Steamed fish with wormseed
Pork in green salsa
Chicken in mole sauce
Beef roll with corn smut sauce and cotija cheese (on banana leaf)
Shrimp with tamarind sauce
Barbecued mutton

Here are the final course options:

Corn flan
Milk caramel
Coconut sweet
Pine nut milk fudge
Amaranth sweet
Wafers
Oaxaca milled chocolate

Take your pick from any or all of the above samples and you will be whisked away on an adventure of Mexican cuisines.

Entertainment and Celebrations

A Mexican fiesta would not be the same without traditional celebrations thrown into the party atmosphere. The distinct blend of cultural learnings combined with dancing to Mariachi music is a perfect way to spend your evening in Cancun. Learn about all of the Mexican festivities that correspond with daily activities such as harvest, rain, birth and life among many others.

Throughout the journey around the canals, Yosef introduced a variety of games we all had to participate in, some of which required a little more tequila than others (I won’t go into detail, rather I will encourage you to experience Xoximilco to find out exactly what I am talking about).

A Memorable Evening

I will be the first to admit that going into this evening I was a little skeptical about what to expect! Expanding my taste palate was something I wasn’t particularly looking forward to, especially after reading some of the descriptions of apparently edible creatures you are able to sample.

However, all of my fears and misconceptions were immediately thrown out of the window as soon as we arrived at Xoximilco and stepped on our trajinera. The experience is amazing and definitely worthwhile to learn about the true, authentic Mexican traditions.

Xoximilco Cancun may be a homage to the real experience in Mexico City, but credit must be given to the organization and performances that ensure you leave with a truly memorable evening.

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Experiencias Xcaret for organizing the pre-BEX tour.These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

An InLinkz Link-up

The Home of Golf

St. Andrews University

Explore the Streets of St. Andrews

Summary

What is a Sleeper Scarf?

A Fashion Product

Pros

Cons

Summary

Discount Alert (Valid Through October 2014)

History of Strömma and Canal Tours

The Grand Tour Information

20 Attractions Along the Grand Tour

1. Nyhavn Harbour

2. Experimentarium City

3. The Opera House

4. The Sixtus Battery

5. Trekroner Fortress

6. Cruise Ship Harbour

7. The Little Mermaid

8. Kastellet

9. Gefions Fountain

10. Amalienborg Palace

11. Royal Danish Playhouse

12. Nordatlantens Brygge

13. Christiania

14. Our Saviours Church

15. The Black Diamond

16. The National Museum of Denmark

17. Christiansborg Palace

18. Stroget

19. The Old Stock Exchange

20. Danish Architecture Centre

Summary

History of Tivoli Gardens

Rides

Entertainment

Dining and Shopping

Overall Tivoli Gardens Experience

Hotel SP34 History

The Room

The Breakfast Experience

The Lobby and Wine Hour

Restaurants and Bars

The Verdict

2 in 1 Micro USB Cable

Pros

Cons

3-Port USB Hub with Ethernet Adapter

Pros

Cons

Summary

Xoximilco History

Xoximilco Experience

Live Music

Mexican Cuisine

Entertainment and Celebrations

A Memorable Evening

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