World From Marrs

10 facts we didn’t know about Ljubljana

By on 16th December

Ljubljana is looking like the place to visit this year in Europe. We recently enjoyed a trip over there and here’s 10 interesting facts that we learnt!

Ljubljana’s iconic opera house

10. Postcards from the opera!
With the opera house being such a fashionable place in the early 20th century citizens of Ljubljana used to send post cards to friends and family when they had been to a show. Just like checking in on facebook!

9. The birthplace of a nation
After WWI the formation of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was declared on the balcony of a building which is now home to the Ljubljana University.

8. City of students
With one tenth of the city’s population studying in the capital it really is a city of students. It’ll be no surprise to here that Ljubljana is such a student friendly city with almost everywhere offering discount.

7. Links to Greek mythology
The iconic dragon which is so often seen to represent Ljubljana dates back to tales of Jason and the Argonauts. Legend has it that Jason sailed up the Ljubjanica River before making his journey to the Adriatic. On route he came into contact with a lake that housed the Ljubljanica dragon. Jason is said to have fought bravely against the beast before finally slaying it.

6.The prominent symbols of unity
At Ljubljana castle there is a striking vine that grows next to the dungeon. This was planted in 1990 as a symbol of friendship between Ljubljana and Slovenia’s second biggest city Maribor.

5. Ljubljana’s links across boarders
Little did we know that Ljubljana is twinned with cultural hubs Moscow and Brussels, as well as Nottingham back here in blighty!

4 Ljubljana is home to the first and only green lighthouse
Ljubljana takes the environment very seriously and are happy to be leading Europe with creative and innovative ideas.

3. The capitals green credentials
Ljubljana has 542 square metres of public green space per resident and the city features 80 hectares of newly maintained green spaces.

2.Some of the healthiest Water in Europe!
Ljubljana is one of the few European capitals that can boast having perfectly drinkable tap water without pre treatment.

1 The Green Capital of Europe!
This year Ljubljana was proud to be awarded the 2016 green capital of Europe. This is down to Ljubljana significantly raising environmental awareness among its citizens.
The judges were also impressed by the efforts Ljubljana’s transport associations had made to provide citizens with eco-friendly alternatives to cars.

Ljubljana: European Green Capital 2016

By Maeve on 19th November

Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana is a city that is home to excellently preserved green spaces, a castle atop a hill, river embankments surrounded by trees and so much more. The Ljubljana Moors Nature Park has several archaeological sites that are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as well as being known for its extraordinary biodiversity. So, it’s no surprise that after a decade of working hard to achieve the high environmental standards they hold today that Ljubljana has been awarded the title of European Green Capital 2016.

www.slovenia.info
Photographer: Tomo Jesenicnik

Each year, the title of European Green Capital is given to a city that has achieved the highest environmental standards and is committed to further improving their environmental impact in the future. When Ljubljana was close to becoming overcrowded with cars, they began shifting the focus to more sustainable travel. Today, they see a 620% increase in a car free, pedestrian zone with more and more cyclists- making it a great city for visitors!

To celebrate the award, there will be a variety of celebrations throughout the year, adding onto the already 10,000+ cultural events Ljubljana holds yearly!

www.slovenia.info
Photographer: Bobo

The country itself is one of the worlds most biologically diverse countries, with over 24,000 species of animals- something that is even more impressive considering they only make up a mere 0.004% of the earth! Additionally, Slovenia is the third most wooded country in Europe, with almost 60% of it being covered by trees.

So what is there to do in Slovenia’s green capital? Here are six things you can’t miss while visiting.

The Ljubljana Dragon Carnival– A celebration to remember
To celebrate the Shrovetide Carnival, Ljubljana holds a Dragon Carnival- the dragon being the symbol of Ljubljana- and gives you the opportunity to get to know the wealth of Slovenia’s Shrovetide traditions. Taking place the Saturday before Shrove Tuesday, the Carnival parades through the streets of the city centre with its dragon mascot, which is one of the largest in Europe. Here, you will see traditional carnival figures, children dressed in costume and modern carnival characters.

www.slovenia.info
Photographer: D. Wedam

Metelkova Mesto– A unique experience for the arts and night life
Metelkova was originally Austro-Hungarian army barracks in the 19th century. When they were going to tear them down in 1993, they were squatted by a group of around 200 volunteers to stop them from being pulled down- an initiative formed by mainly underground artists. Since then, it has become a growing popular attraction with an incredible nightlife. Featuring concerts, club nights and underground artists and DJs from around the world, Metelkova Mesto is a must see quirky alternative for those who enjoy interesting artsy centres.

The Ljubljana Botanical Gardens – A relaxing day in a historic garden
The Botanical Gardens are Slovenia’s oldest cultural, scientific and educational institution that has operated uninterrupted since it’s opened. As one of the world’s most historically important botanical gardens, it is home to over 4,500 different species and subspecies, with one third of them originating in Slovenia and the rest coming from a variety of European countries.

www.slovenia.info
Photographer: J. Bavcon

Tivoli-Roznik Hill Siska Hill Landscape Park- the largest park in Slovenia
With Roznik Hill located directly behind Tivoli Park, the two make up the Tivoli-Roznik Hill Siska Hill Landscape Park. Tivoli Park is not only Ljubljana’s number one picnic spot but also has a museum, two castles and an artificial pond. Being one of Ljubljana’s favourite nature-walking places, you can take a walk through one of the nature trails from Tivoli Park up to the hill which features ski jumps, a church, a zoo and so much more. You can even head up to Roznik Hill for a first-of-May hilltop rock party.

Ljubljana Food Tour– Discover real Slovenian food
What better way to experience the culture of Slovenia than with a food tour? Get to know the city’s main attractions and landmarks through a food tour of Slovenia and Ljubljana’s traditional meals. Open from April to October, you can find so much of the country’s diverse cuisine choices.

www.slovenia.info
Photographer: Zavod Celeia Celje

Smarna Gora– The best views and a unique walk
Head to the northernmost corner of Ljubljana and check out Smarna Gora, an ‘odd shaped butte of two hills’ which resemble the humps of a camel. Perfect for anyone, no matter their skill, you can choose from steeper hills to get to the top or a gentler path. On one of the peaks, there is a restaurant where you can relax and enjoy a meal after hiking and sit out on the terrace to take in the views of the beautiful green city. The second peak is a little higher with one single bench to sit upon to take in the magnificent views.

European Capital of Culture 2016

By on 6th November

Top 5 things to see in Wroclaw, the European Capital of Culture 2016

Each year, a city is designated by the European Union to organise a series of cultural events with a strong European dimension for the duration of one calendar year. For 2016, Wroclaw, Poland was chosen for one of the European Capital of Culture. Once described as “the Holy Blossom of Europe, a beautiful gem among cities”, Wroclaw is bursting with history and incredible sights to see.

The Four Dome Pavilion: Constructed between 1912-1913, the purpose was to have exhibitions in it, and was eventually named a UNESCO World Heritage Sight in 2006. In 2013, reconstruction of the pavilion began, although it was unsure if it was possible as the Minister of Culture and National Heritage said it was ’the picture of decay that seemed unstoppable.’ Two years later, the restoration was finished and announced that it will be open for an exhibition in June 2016, to coincide with the European Capital of Culture. The first exhibition to be open will be of Polish contemporary art two times bigger than presently exhibited with contemporary art from Europe as well.

Wroclaw Market Square: Wroclaw’s Market Square is one of the largest old market squares in Poland, including one of the oldest restaurants in Europe, Piwnica Swidnicka. The late Gothic City Hall in the square is 66 metres and the grandest building of its type in Poland. Surrounded by sixty townhouses, the Market Square has a fountain called Spring and a monument of Aleksander Fredo, each are two of the most popular landmarks and meeting points in the square to both locals and visitors.

Wroclaw’s Fountain: One of the largest of its kind in Europe, the multi-media fountain is almost one hectare and has almost 300 nozzles spouting water up to 40 metres high. On the fountain, a large water screen is created with visualisations projected accompanied by music and laser effects. Open to May-October, you can see shows with classical, contemporary, pop or electronic music.

Ostrow Tumski: Visit the oldest part of Wroclaw, the ancient town of Ostrow Tumski, which is where Wroclaw originates. Surrounded by the Oder River, the town is filled with incredible architectural monuments including ones beautifully rebuilt after war damage. The Archdiocese Museum has been collecting relics for over 100 years and it is here that you can find the Book of Henrykow which has the first sentence that was written in Polish! A trip to St John the Baptist’s Cathedral gives you the chance to see relics of sculptures and paintings from the 1550s and even a panoramic view of Wroclaw from the viewing terrace.

Wroclaw Dwarf Festival: Taking place every year, the Wroclaw Dwarf Festival has statues of dwarves taking over the city. From stalls and workshops to games and competitions, there is something for everybody, no matter your age. The Dwarf Festival is perfect for families as there is a dwarf house building competition for younger children and even a zone for the youngest children in your family. Having taken place in September in 2015 and free admission to all festivals at the Old Town Garden, there’s lots of unique fun to be had and is one festival you won’t want to miss!

A Weekend by the Sea

By Maeve on 5th November

There’s not much that’s more relaxing than a weekend by the sea, and both Portsmouth and Brighton are the perfect seaside towns for a weekend away. Both having an endless supply of beautiful views and things to do, it’s hard to not enjoy them.

On Saturday, I headed to Portsmouth, despite the fact that it was a very windy and gloomy day. Even with the poor weather, the views were still incredible and there was still so much to see and do.

We started with the square tower, where you can look out onto the sea and look down along the rocky beach. From here, it is so easy to walk along the beach down to the Clarence Pier Amusement Park- which was still fully open and the weather wasn’t too bad so we were able to go on rides. At the Pier, you can go on rides, play in the arcade, play mini golf and so much more. While on the Pier, you should also grab some fish & chips, as they’ll be cheap and absolutely delicious.

If you keep going down the path from there, there is so much to see all along the sea, including the Southsea castle, a handful of museums, the Blue Reef Aquarium and the Southsea Rose Garden. Not even the gloomy London weather could ruin the day or make everything seem less beautiful.

On Sunday, it was Brighton’s turn, and it did not disappoint- especially since the weather was sunny and warm all day! Knowing that the Pier would be our main interest, we decided to check out a few other things first. The first thing we saw was the Royal Pavilion, which seems a bit out of place but is gorgeous nonetheless.

After, we headed to the Lanes to check out some of the shops and restaurants there, but weren’t there for long as we saw the sun shining brightly on the sea and couldn’t resist going to the Pier anymore.

One of the most relaxing parts of the weekend was by far sitting at a restaurant that’s right on the beach for lunch. There’s not much that’s better than eating fish & chips (for the second day but it’s a must, really) while looking out onto the beach- especially as the beach wasn’t crowded with people as it wasn’t the summer!

A Day in Cambridge

By Maeve on 20th October

Cambridge was a nice and very welcomed change of pace after a few weeks of being in the busy city of London. With no plan except to walk around and see what we can find and no large crowds of people rushing along, the day was ours to leisurely see what we could do.

After walking for almost an hour from the station and around the city centre, we had walked through one open building and were wondering which colleges we could go in without having to pay for a tour. That’s when we were asked if we would like to go punting, an activity that has been at Cambridge since Edwardian times. Sitting in a flat boat, someone pushes you along the river using a pole.

Punting along the river

You can choose to rent a boat or have someone push you along and give you information on the buildings, bridges and general history of the town. If you want to hear all of the information that the guide has to say, sit in the back, as they don’t have microphones and might not be very loud. But if you’re fine with just admiring everything while occasionally hearing bits and pieces on some things, feel free to sit in the front.With so many other boats on the water, some being other tourists who were punting themselves, having a guide is a good idea. It is not only a good way to see many of the things along the river, it is a lot of fun and different from standard tours.

The Mathematical Bridge

At the end, we once again decided to walk around to see what else we could find before we had to get back to the station. What we found were some paths to walk down (which are absolutely beautiful in autumn) and many more buildings to marvel at.

Overall, Cambridge is the perfect walking town with so much to see. You can take tours of the beautiful historic buildings, go punting, just walk through the whole town or check out one (or more) of the museums.

An Evening at the Globe

By Maeve on 16th October

If you’re in London, have the time and are even slightly interested in Shakespeare and theatre, seeing a play at the Globe Theatre is highly recommended. If you’re not a huge Shakespeare fan, it’s worth going for the experience alone. Built the same way as the original, the performances are designed to be as close to the original performances as possible.

I had never seen a play that wasn’t put on by my high school. And I had only read about three Shakespeare plays. I liked them enough, but I wasn’t the biggest fan. So buying tickets to see Richard II (a play I hadn’t read) might have seemed like a ridiculous idea. Sitting on a wooden bench for two hours to watch a play I had never read, and it’s one written by Shakespeare as well?? However, I enjoyed it so much and am glad I went.

Sure, I didn’t know what was going on probably 85% of the time, but it was an experience I will never forget.The performers not only have to perform without microphones, but they also have to make sure they are still audible when planes fly over the building- and they do an amazing job at it! The seats aren’t the most comfortable as they’re wooden benches (or standing) but it’s worth it. You can choose to stand in the front where the commoners would have stood (tickets are only £5!) or, you can sit in the galleries where the wealthy would sit (these tickets are about £20-£40).

Going to the Globe is a cool trip back to the late 1500s with some slightly more modern aspects (no awful smells and the audience aren’t rowdy!) and absolutely worth the slightly sore back. Also, you get the chance to say that you’ve seen a Shakespeare play at the Globe Theatre! If you do go, make sure to dress warm though as there is no ceiling!

Many people think that Tower Bridge is London Bridge!

Thames River Cruise

By Maeve on 15th October

Many people think that Tower Bridge is the London Bridge!

With so much to see and do in London, sometimes it’s nice to sit back, relax and have someone show you everything. On a beautiful sunny day- a bit hard to come upon here- the Thames River Cruise is the perfect option.

Not only is it relaxing on the water, you’ll learn facts about the bridges (there are surprisingly some cool facts on these) and buildings along the Thames that you might not get if you are on a self-guided tour.

Shakespeare’s famous Globe Theatre

Did you know;
• The Waterloo Bridge was the first and only bridge in London to be completed on time, within budget and self-cleaning? Not only that, but it was built by women while men were fighting in WWII! And the women have only recently been given credit for building it as well.
• The Globe Theatre is the only thatched building in London, as they were banned after the Great Fire. However, the theatre could be rebuilt the exact same way as the original.
• Cleopatra’s Needle has nothing to do with Cleopatra herself. It was built for Pharaoh Thotmes III in 1460 BC and was sent to England in 1877 from the city Cleopatra.
• If you ever pass under Tower Bridge, wave to the people on it and if they wave back, you’ll have five years good luck!
• Soon after the opening, the Millennium Bridge began to wobble, causing some pedestrians to become sick. It is also the bridge seen at the beginning of the sixth Harry Potter!

Cleopatra’s Needle with lions guarding it

With so much to see, going on a river cruise is definitely worth it- even if the river itself isn’t very pretty!

Taking a trip with The Original London Sightseeing Tour

By Frank on 31st July

The Original London Sightseeing Tour was the first – and today the largest – single sightseeing operation in the world. The history of the company can be traced back to the early 1900s. They have three routes to choose from: Yellow, Red and Blue – all covering different corners of London. I decided to take the Yellow on a pleasant July day and it was brilliant!

I spent last Sunday having a very traditionally British day by exploring drizzly London on a big red bus!

Our guide, Sasha, was full of energy and wowed us with amazing facts, such as:

The Royal Opera House is where first professional police force was forced
The Dorchester is where Elizabeth Taylor had all of her eight honeymoons
The Temple Church is an incredible building and was actually featured in the Da Vinci Code film – it’s well worth a look.
Previous orators at Speakers Corner in Hyde Park include the great Karl Max, Lenin and George Orwell.
Established 1,000 years ago, Borough Market is considered the best in London and been featured in films such as Harry Potter and Bridget Jones – the perfect place to browse the stalls and grab lunch.

It’s so easy to hop on and off the Original Tour buses!

A wonderful view of the Shard and Tower Bridge in the distance

You can peek into all kinds of hidden sights if you sit on the top deck!

Have you been on an Original Tour? It truly is the best way to discover London!

National Parks Week in Wales: Venture to Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia & Pembrokeshire

By Simona on 20th July

National Parks Week 2015 kicks off Monday 27 July with the theme “Landscapes of Plenty.” Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire National Parks feature some of the most diverse scenery in the UK—from their rolling mountains to winding river gorges, there is plenty to explore. Here are our top picks for places to visit and stay during National Parks Week.

Visit: Brecon Beacons National Park– Explore the beautiful lakes, relax beside rushing waterfalls, or adventure on horseback. Experience the rural culture within the park and walk some of the finest paths in Europe.

Stay In: Meadow View Granary – This spacious converted 17th century granary store is surrounded by incredible views and wildlife. Set in a secluded, lush green valley, there are numerous walks available from the door. Sleeps 5. Weeks from £382.

Stay In: The Rising Sun– With wonderful views and an enclosed garden, this stone fronted cottage is a great choice for park exploration. Sit outside and enjoy a meal with the peaceful sounds of nature around you. Sleeps 4. Weeks from £445.

Stay In: Bailea Stable Cottage– Experience the panoramic views of the green hillside just outside this contemporary converted stable block. Explore the Bailea family farm and taste water from the mountain spring. After a long day of walking and cycling on nearby routes, enjoy a dip in the Jacuzzi bath. Sleeps 2. Weeks from £458.

Stay In: Lisa’s Cottage– Below the Talybont Resevoir, this spacious family house is great for bird watching, fishing and enjoying the vast amount of wildlife in the area. Waterfalls and mountain peaks are just a few minutes away, and there are plenty of scenic biking and walking paths. Sleeps 8. Weeks from £645.

Stay In: Cornwall Farm– This farmhouse has a beautiful view of the hillside and is perfect for relaxing or going for a mountain walk. The home features an enclosed garden, a small pond and stylish furniture. Sleeps 10. Weeks from £1,153.

Visit: Snowdonia National Park– The largest national park in Wales has breath-taking landscapes that are perfect for a peaceful holiday. From the rolling mountains to the winding river gorges, there is plenty to explore.

Stay In: Rhyd-Fudr– This charmingly restored Welsh mountain cottage is comfortable and spacious. Venture to the mountains and beaches during the day and cosy up by the wood burner for a peaceful peaceful evening. This traditional house has amazing views of the rolling Snowdonia valleys and wonderful walks to explore. From £755 for 7 nights based on 2 staying. Sleeps 4.

Stay In: Ty’r Gofalwr– This former coach house and dairy has been beautifully renovated in the heart of Snowdonia. The house features 14 acres of lush grounds, on which stand an art gallery, a coffee shop and a restaurant. Visitors won’t have to go far for beautiful natural sights, as the mountain walks to the beaches are nearby. Sleeps 4. From £719 for 7 nights based on 2 staying.

Stay In: Aberdyfi House– This converted sea captain’s house features beautiful views of the golden sands and the Aberdovey sea. Walk for miles on the beach or explore the glacial valleys of Snowdonia, and spend the night relaxing at this quiet, comfortable escape. Sleeps 7. From £1319 for 7 nights based on 2 staying.

Visit: Pembrokeshire National Park – This stunning national park has features a spectacular coastline, where visitors can walk along the golden sands and look for dolphins and seals in the fresh air.

Explore: Preseli Venture – 27-31 July – Family Adventure Holiday- Stay in the 5 Star Eco Lodge with a range of rooms and locally sourced, home cooked food. Experience exciting adventures, from coasteering to sea kayaking, under expert guidance from professional guides. Unwind on the spectacular cliff top during a coastal path walk and round off the day in the local beach. From £479 Adults, £375 child. Special offer – one child goes FREE if you book a family of 4 or more.

Stay In: Stablau Ty Hen – This charming restored barn is stylish and surrounded by spectacular views of the countryside. Explore the footpath outside that runs down to the river and watch for the wildlife that is teeming in the area. Sleeps 2. From £749 for 7 nights based on 2 staying.

Stay In: Beaudy Ty Hen – Located in one of the most picturesque valleys in the national park, Gwaun Valley, this converted cottage has a contemporary interior and spectacular views of the outdoor meadow filled with vibrant wildflowers. Walk along the Coastal Path or visit the botanical gardens nearby. Sleeps 2. From £829 for 7 nights based on 2 staying.

Paris 101

By Emily on 22nd June

After a whirlwind weekend of exploring Paris, it’s hard to believe that the journey even happened. I saw and experienced things I had only ever seen in movies. Before the adventure, I was given some extremely helpful advice. Here are my top tips for a safe, fun trip to the City of Light and Love.

Rise and shine

The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower was stunning and easily my favourite part of the trip. However, if don’t like getting up early, you might have quite a lengthy wait in line before reaching the top. If you make it your priority in the morning, you won’t be disappointed.

*Take advantage of the discounts offered to young people and children.

View from the top section of the Eiffel Tower

Shop before Sunday

Many stores are closed on Sundays, so keep this in mind when if you’re trying to find a stylish outfit in the fashion capital of the world. If you’re still on the lookout for the perfect souvenir, though, don’t worry — shops by typical tourist areas like the Moulin Rouge and the Eiffel Tower will still be open on Sundays.

Hop on the Eurostar

Taking the Eurostar was much easier than travelling by plane. The wait wasn’t long at all and it was quite cool to travel through the Chunnel and arrive in France. Be ready for it, though – the journey through the Chunnel was quicker than I thought!

Eat your way through the city

Start off the morning with coffee and a croissant for breakfast, enjoy a baguette for lunch or dinner, and top off your day with a Nutella crepe. Each of these weren’t very expensive and were taste explosions in my mouth. No one does it better.

Delicious Nutella crepe-making by the Notre Dame

Double-decker everywhere

Since I only went for a weekend, I didn’t have much time to waste trying to figure out how to get to all of the major attractions. The bus tour was magical. It the only other transportation cost during my short trip, and it even took me back to the train station on my last day. Double decker tours are typically available in most big, historic cities, so take advantage of the easy ride! Here in London, the Original Tour will take you to all major attractions.

Constant vigilance!

I was astounded by the pickpocketing stories I heard from friends and family from their time in the city. People will attempt to wrap a bracelet around your arm to distract you or ask you to sign a petition in an effort to get your vital information (that they can then use in any number of ways). Stick to souvenir shops, keep your valuables at the bottom of your bag, and be aware of your surroundings – it won’t even be an issue!

Stay up late

I had no idea the Eiffel Tower had a night time sparkle show. It might be a long day, but it will be a worthwhile experience. Find a good spot in the grass and relax with your family while watching this amazing man made architectural feat light up the night.

View of the Eiffel Tower during the light show