The trip that changed my life was...
Listeners share their personal travel tales with us...
Changi Chapel and Museum Singapore
It was mid October 2007 and on our way to visit friends in Brisbane we stopped off in Singapore. A short, humid bus trip from Raffles took us past the Changi Women’s prison to the Changi Chapel and Museum. Here lies the site of the Changi Museum documenting the lives of some of the occupants of Singapore during the Japanese occupation World War II. As a mid thirties male, I have heard wartime stories from parents and grandparents, mostly from their experiences in England but never have I been so moved than when wandering through this museum, reading the accounts of people from all walks of life. From the prisoner of war who created animated accounts of the day from the pages of old books or paper stolen from the guards, to the brave grandmother who would stand daily by the roadside sneaking food to the passing prisoners as they returned to Changi after working hours in the humidity. She regularly suffered a beating by the Japanese Guards for her bravery but still she continued to wait by the road, bread hidden in a basket. I have always admired those who risked their lives for us during the war and, like many of us, I have sometimes taken for granted my surroundings and fortunate lifestyle...until that day. Now I am inspired by those who lived through this ordeal and the heroic acts of so many ordinary people. There is a lot to take in at the museum and the chapel attached. Be prepared to experience a host of emotions from laughter at the light hearted poems to sorrow and empathy for those who lost loved ones. Amazing relationships between people who, in normal circumstances, would probably never speak a word to each other but are brought together through war. Although small in size I spent over 3 hours at this museum (and could have spent longer but for the museum closing time)
Kevin Liddle, FY3
Venice
A magical place for me would have to be Venice. Before we were married my husband Ed surprised me with a memorable trip to this enchanting city. He arranged it as a complete surprise for my birthday and I didn’t know where we were going until I unwrapped a travel guide to Venice on the way to the airport!
When we arrived it looked just like all the paintings and photos that we had seen, beautiful old buildings, enchanting atmosphere, superb galleries and museums. The music in the squares was stunning especially in the evenings. It was lovely to just amble around the place without a plan and something beautiful was guaranteed around every corner. (Sturdy walking shoes are recommended due to all the cobbles)! On the first night there I was treated to eat in a restaurant by the Grand Canal. However things didn’t go quite according to plan. Because we were still young and on a budget we weren’t allowed to sit alongside the Canal because we weren’t going for the expensive 4 course menu! What we did order was not quite what we expected either, we were brave and opted for squid which the guide book recommended. However, it was cooked in its own ink which is rather an acquired taste! At this point Ed looked rather disappointed, but I tried to make light of the situation. Little did I know what he had planned...
It all became clear when we walked over the Rialto bridge, Ed started to fluster and fiddle with something in his pocket!! Which turned out to be an engagement ring...well I was really shocked!! Of course I said yes! He had planned to propose at the meal but due to the unseen events he had to wait! We had a photo taken just after Ed had proposed by some Chinese tourists who were walking past; and what a place Ed had chosen right by some colourful graffiti! Oh well, just being in this magical place made up for all the hiccups on the night!
Lucy Bosley, CV35
Upsala, Sweden
As a young man I played violin in the town and school orchestras. The then director arranged a trip for us all to Upsala, Sweden. Doing what I loved in a new culture and performing before genuinely interested audiences. I was a young single guy and stayed with a family with two beautiful daughters. There were young swedish girls in the audiences. I had peanuts thrown at me at one venue. I was too young at the time to appreciate what was going on. I suppose I took the music, the excitement and what the music director did for granted. The programs included Finlandia, Glinka, Mozart horn and clarinet concertos. Also, Haydn Clock and Surprise Symphonies and Schubert unfinished. I didn't realise that this holiday would have an affect on my life at the time. In retrospect, though, it was a milestone. Music's been my pal all through my life- I'm 63yrs now.
Peter Steggall, LL68
Rome
My ‘Travellers Tale’ centres on three visits (in one day) to the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City. Rome is always hot in August. This day was no exception. We were attending a conference at a Carmelite Monastery near Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence, where at least, there were cooling breezes.
Three of us had escaped back to the heat of the city for the day to see the wonderful works of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican. Pat and I wore straw hats…as a modicum of protection whilst we joined the long queue in the sun. There were fences between the rows which we could perch on to save our aching feet. My husband Don, ever the humourist kept seeing the funny side of everything. The queue took ages to get to where we paid and gained entrance. At least from here it was air-conditioned cool!
To get near the Sistine Chapel took another half hour at least and seemed miles. There were side galleries off, packed with wonderful things but we decided to focus on what we wanted and not be side-tracked. It was obvious that we were nearing the entrance to the Chapel as the queue thickened, with people pouring back from all the Vatican side rooms. This was going to be IT! A tannoy sounded! A notice was given out in 5 languages, at forte volume, two or three times. You must not speak inside the chapel, must not¦.. (this, that and the other). Long, turgid and forbidding. We gained entrance. Whoever put the entrance for us, the hoi-polloi must have had a wry sense of humour. For those who know Michelangelo’s last judgement, the commoner’s queue entrance came in under the bottom right hand side, his hell! The room was stifling and packed with people. Quite naturally, there were ‘oos’ and ‘ahs’ from genuinely awed people. The Chapel was quite wonderful. The ‘oos’ and ‘ahs’ must have got a bit loud to the overseers. Quite suddenly, and disrupting ANY atmosphere whatsoever, making about ten times more noise than the wandering crowd inside, the 5 languages notice once again was given out, this time fortissimo! ‘You must not speak inside the chapel!’ Don, not keen on anything to do with religion or Christianity at the best of times had had it. From the centre of the chapel he whispered in my ear ‘I’m off. I will meet you at the exit.’ Pat and I continued looking, soaking ourselves in the experience. Time came for us to leave and we departed through the one-way system down corridors and staircases the fifteen minute walk to the exit. Don was not to be seen. Pat stayed in the air-conditioned interior. I spoke to the guard to say I was going to pop out but needed to return. Still no Don. I came back and we waited longer. After what seemed like an age, it dawned on us that there had been a cafe not far after the Chapel. I would go and look the fifteen minute walk. Don was not there either. I returned to Pat. Still no Don. There has to be another exit… I took the long march back up the stairs to the Chapel. It was still busy, but not quite as much. I enjoyed another few minutes before finding the alternative exit for tours with guides. There was a guard at the entrance. I had no Italian and he had no English, but I made him understand the best I could that I wanted to go DOWN the steps to find my husband AND return. He motioned that this was OK so I started the descent down a flight of long stone steps. The walls were white, in start contrast to the stonework and there was a handrail. I was completely alone. Imagine my wonder when reaching the bottom. The vista of St. Peters Square right in the middle of Vatican City was spread before me, awesome. I was dumbstruck. Don was nowhere to be seen. I returned whence I came, moving quietly up the long flight of steps. The realisation that this was the way Michelangelo had gone to work made this, for me, a spiritual experience. I have it in my memory forever. The guard at the top nodded and let me past. All I could do was thank him with a smile. My third visit to the Chapel in as many hours! I relished it left to go back to the entrance. We were getting tired, Don was not there. Our energy pretty much spent, we took a taxi to the railway station to go back to our conference centre. The trains were every half hour and we were just in time for one. Who should we meet coming down the platform but Don! He HAD gone out of the group tour exit to St Peters Square, but once there, the guard at the bottom would not let him return because he had shorts on! An adventure for all with a special benefit of the bonus of a spiritual experience for me.
Sue Washington, PR4
South Africa
We were in South Africa on holiday and went to see England play Pakistan in the World Cup at Cape Town. No bowler had ever bowled at 100 miles per hour but Shoib Aktar was very fast and it was thought that he would do it quite soon. There was great anticipation in the ground each over he bowled until at last he managed it - and the whole ground erupted. This was particularly exciting for me as I have been an ardent cricket fan , both as a player and spectator all my life.
David Barnes, WV6
Lapland
6 years ago when our children were 5 and 3 years old we took them to Lapland. I was somewhat ambivalent about the trip because it was our most expensive holiday and only lasted 3 nights! Furthermore there was the added expense of buying snow clothing but my wife had her heart set on this trip and spent much time staring at the internet in the vain hope that the price would fall. It actually went up but I cracked and booked the holiday anyway. We booked a late night snowmobile trip and the children were wrapped up in a sleigh behind us. They enjoyed the trip greatly and when we returned to the hotel they were asleep snuggled against each other with a look of sheer contentment. It was a priceless moment and a memory that will be with us forever. It made me understand the true value of family life and that money and the pressures of work are of far lesser importance.
David Aitchison, E4
Iceland
Beverley and I are in the tenth year of our relationship. We have shared many highs and lows during that time. I guess that the true test of finding your soul mate is enjoying the highs and coming through the lows stronger but more importantly together. I booked Beverley and I on a long weekend to Reykjavik to celebrate her 49th birthday. We were so taken by how icily tranquil the island is. On our first night we were collected by super jeep and driven out beyond the light pollution of the city. At 16 minutes past 11 on 31st January the light started to change and we were treated to a stunning Aurora. At 21 minutes past 11 I proposed to Beverley under the Northern Lights and she consented to be mine. Ironically we were granted an extra day in the land of fire and ice because London Heathrow was closed due to extreme weather conditions. At least we were warm.
Andrew Collins, DA11
Vienna
Five years ago my partner and I visited Vienna, we explored the wonderful city and took in a Strauss concert on the 29th and for New Year’s Eve we explored once more the wonderful city as it takes on a much more, locals flock to the centre where there were different themes for different parts of the centre. Locals were there with their picnic hampers, champagne bottles etc. There was an air of excitement, this carried on the whole day, we went back to the hotel for a rest and in the evening, we headed for the City Hall where there was a stage with a classical concert and various other things during the evening to entertain us. Mulled wine stalls and hot food available from stalls around the area.
At Midnight, the chimes for the New Year then they played Strauss's Blue Danube, it was wonderful, despite the drizzle, umbrellas were put away so the locals etc opened their champagne armed with plastic champagne flutes! It was as I said magical and beginning to get cold! We moved to the side (less crowded) under the lights of the city hall when my partner proposed! After being together for nearly 20 years I had no hesitation in accepting! He didn't go down on one knee but at our age he may not of got up again! It was to be a second marriage for both of us. So with The Blue Danube playing the atmosphere was one of total romance, and yes unforgettable. We had champagne when we got back to the hotel naturally and it was lovely! We married in the February and The Blue Danube played at the signing ahhhhhhhh! The next morning we went back to the same site to watch the New Years Day Concert on the mega screen, once again wonderful, the locals danced and again drank champagne, they really know how to celebrate! No fights or arguing, everyone happy and friendly.
Valerie Sharp, ME18
Scotland
I sometimes wonder if it is a belief that you have to travel far and wide to experience magic, when sometimes said magic is right on your very own doorstep. I certainly did. In 2004 I got married to my wonderful husband Tom and it was a huge disappointment to me that we could not afford a honeymoon to somewhere exotic and far flung as all our spare funds were going into renovating our first home. Instead, we opted for a break in Scotland. I was not looking forward to a week in Scotland in September - oh the weather! I think I was idealistic and got lost in the romance of what a typical honeymoon should be. So my husband and I travelled to Scotland and I really think it was this trip which changed my life.
Starting in Edinburgh then driving through the highlands and back down to Edinburgh via the Isle of Skye, my life just jumped into perspective. The weather was just beautiful, warm balmy days, hikes up mountains, the breathtaking views and exhilaration of a hard walk. It made me stop and think about my life, the material things I had accumulated and in actual fact realising that it's the love, respect and support of finding your soul mate that matters.
Listening to Classic FM whilst driving through lochs and talking about the future, about our dreams and aspirations together. I don't think that I have ever had such a wonderful, relaxing trip as I did on our honeymoon. I realised that I was so unhappy in my then job that I was buying and wanting material possessions to compensate. It was on that trip that I decided to turn mu life around. I got a new job in which 4 years later I still love. I've swapped material possessions for spending quality time with my family and friends and Tom and I have just had our first baby, our darling girl Haniya - and in those quiet dark moments when I am feeding her at night, listening to smooth classics at 6 - I always remember so fondly of that wonderful and special trip to Scotland.
Sarah Naxton, RG42
If I could freeze one moment from my holiday it would be...
Listeners share their personal travel tales with us...
St Petersburg
If I could freeze one moment from my holiday it would be the chandeliers of the Marinsky Theatre dimming and the orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s overture to The Nutcracker. It was the weekend before Christmas. My wife and I had decided that, rather than give each other presents, we would share the cost of a long weekend in St Petersburg. On the Sunday we walked along Nevsky Prospekt to the imposing Russian Orthodox Cathedral. We stood at the back of the huge church and took in the rituals of the service but we were deeply moved by the singing of the choir on the balcony, high above the congregation. We could only stay for a short while as we had another treat in store. We walked along a half frozen canal in the grey late morning light and reached our second destination, The Marinsky Theatre. So bland outside, so ornate and beautiful inside. We had tickets to a family performance of the Nutcracker. The chandeliers dimmed and the orchestra began Tchaikovsky’s overture. As a huge Tchaikovsky fan I was overwhelmed by a wave of emotion. To be in the Theatre for which the score was written, especially at Christmas, was one of the most moving musical experiences of my life. The production was all we had hoped for and more. The icing on the cake was that, whilst we were inside watching the artificial snow falling on the stage during the forest scene, an inch of snow had fallen outside. What more magical travel experience could you want in such a beautiful and atmospheric city?
Keith Thomson
Greece
Greece is wonderful. The light, heat, diamond bright sea, dulux white villages...A truly magical, spiritual place. But what if you arrive on those few occasions when the sun doesn't shine? Our planning (we thought) was good. May, before the school holidays would be ideal - peaceful but warm. We arrived in Piraeus and it was as we expected. We went to the port and that was fine too. The choice of where to go and the thought of three weeks drifting from island to island as our will and the ferry timetables dictated. But all was not as well as we planned...By day three our lack of knowledge caught us drifting across cold, grey seas wrapped in layers of tea shirts and sarongs. Sitting miserably on timer decks clutching small cups of luke warm coffee. Arriving in ports, not to be greeted by the usual accommodation reps (small children luring you towards clean nice beds). But empty harbours where the only action was the unloading of the accompanying cargo and the occasional goat. Indeed, an enquiry at the local taverna would illicit a recommendation to a chilly stone room with a single blanket. Eventually even these intrepid travellers decided that it was time to return to Athens in search of stimulation for the sole - if hedonism was out, then classics would take their place. Deciding that the ferries would be a slow escape route, we made our way to the airport and with two hours to spare for the twice weekly plane, decided to warm ourselves on the airport roof by playing tennis. The heat of the exercise and a small outbreak of the long awaited med sun left us slumped against the airport wall. A few moments (well, in fact we realised later, a generous hour later) we woke warm and refreshed and looking upwards through sombulent eyes saw our plane with thrusting engines leave in what was becoming a haze of heat... Watching the stream of incoming passengers leave the airport, and feeling the heat smooth out the goose bumps we realised that summer had come and we should have trusted our hosts, but perhaps not our planning. We stayed. We melted. Next time, we will escape with the rest. Out of season is cheaper for a reason!
Wendy Jacob
Canada
To freeze a moment in time or a freezing moment in time, this tale is both. My husband and I got married in December 2000, and choose Canada for our honeymoon destination. We arrived in Jasper and it was minus 38 degrees in the wind chill, but we decided to brave the cold and go on a trip which involved walking through an ice canon. As we trudged along behind the guide in a biting wind it began to snow and suddenly the guide stopped and we looked up and there suspended above us was a frozen waterfall. It was the most awesome sight and I looked round at my husband and he had tears in his eyes as well. We both remember it as the most magical part of our honeymoon and even though we couldn't take a picture of it (the camera was frozen) it is etched on our memories for ever.
Keely Williams
Vancouver Island
Watching a humpback whale from a little dinghy in the middle of a wild Pacific ocean with my partner son and daughter. The whale was playing and was 'breaching' (jumping out of the water). It was almost like watching a wildlife documentary on TV except we were there, part of it - us, the boat, the wild ocean and the whale. We were visitors to his world and it was the most magnificent and awe-inspiring thing that I have ever seen and to share it with the people that I love made it truly unforgettable.
Lynne Watson
New York
I recently met up with my best friend to celebrate our 50th birthdays. Julie lives in Sydney so we don't see each other too often; so our New York holiday was a long anticipated event. We did not know when we booked that we would be in the USA on the date of President Obama’s inauguration. The day was brilliantly blue but very cold - minus 6 degree C. We went to the W hotel in Union Square and managed to bag two club chairs in front of a huge TV. We were joined by a crowd of New Yorkers, including many of the hotel staff. We ordered Bellinis just before Obama was sworn in, and were swept away with the sheer joy and emotion in the room. We both felt that we were witnessing first hand the dawn of a new era in the USA and were privileged to experience the moment with such friendly New Yorkers. It is a moment we will remember for the rest of our lives - a celebration of our friendship, and of the human spirit.
Susan Morris
Hong Kong
In 2002 I went on a 17 day tour of China. I have always been fascinated by geography, in particular land formations and studying peoples customs and traditions and decided that if I was going to go to China it had to be 2002 because the Yangtze River was about to be flooded and my ambition was to cruise along it to see the Three Gorges before they were lost forever. The night before embarking on the cruise, I and the rest of my group stayed in Chongqing, a city which lies on the banks of the Yangtze. We had had a very gruelling day travelling and sightseeing so everyone was looking forward to the only free evening of the trip. On arriving at the hotel, the Chinese guide asked if anyone was interested in an evening tour to see the river at night and a visit to the town hall where the local people entertained themselves. Not wanting to voyeuristic and impose on their personal space, I mentioned my concerns to the guide. He assured us all that the Chinese people would be very hospitable and proud to share this small part of their lives with us. With a few others from the group, I decided to abandon all thoughts of soaking in a hot bath and make the most of an opportunity not to be missed. On reaching the town hall, I was amazed to see at least 1000 people of all ages dancing to music broadcast from speakers all around the ground. They formed perfectly straight lines and spread out across the whole of the concreted square directly across from the floodlit building. Each group could be identified by matching tee shirts. Our guide suggested that we split up into the groups to join the dancing. Understanding their language was not necessary, our faces and feet broke down the barriers. At the end of the evening, at exactly 10pm, Auld Lang Syne was played and the Chinese began packing up their belongings. It was a very strange experience to hear that tune so far from home. Our group had re-formed by this point and, in true British tradition, formed a circle and crossed arms. Many of the Chinese stopped what they were doing to join our celebrations. We explained to our guide what Auld Lang Syne means to us; he happily translated to the local people. Now, every time I hear that music played, I wonder if the people from Chongqing continue the British tradition at the end of their evenings dancing.
Luxor - Egypt
I was on the west bank of Luxor in Egypt visiting the Valley of the Kings. I had heard that there would be a total solar eclipse late morning and I was keen to experience this amazing event firsthand. Just after 1pm I noticed that the temperature suddenly dropped. It went from 38C to 18C in about a minute. It was exciting and also very eerie as the sun was slowly covered by the moon casting long shadows over the various tombs scattered around the area. The sky went from a burning blue to a very dark colour when the moon went in front of the sun. To experience the Valley of the Kings is one thing but to witness a total solar eclipse at the same location was absolutely breath taking. This moment is frozen in my mind forever and one that I will never forget.
David Madeley
The experience I wish everyone could share is...
New England
New England’s Fall, was something we had always wanted to see. Following the eastern seaboard towards Boston we had just nine days to fit everything in. But some of the prettiest New England scenery made the miles seem short. At Cape Cod, we stopped at Sandwich - Cape Cod's oldest village to explore its small lanes and historic buildings, including an old water-mill. It all looked very English Plantation a mock pilgrim village with costumed staff speaking in the original English accent, wasn’t good value for money, we felt - but the Mayflower replica, moored nearby (a gift from Britain) was interesting and worth seeing.
We continued through Vermont and the Green Mountains National Park. The fall foliage was at its best here - with pristine white churches with needle-like steeples and big red barns, real Benny & Jerry country! On rounding a corner we found ourselves crossing a covered bridge. And there were more - we crossed them all, just for the fun of it. Bennington - with quaint shops and museums, was another picturesque place we stopped to explore. At the great lakes, we boarded the Maid of the Mist boat, which took us right up to the base of Niagara’s mighty Horseshoe Falls. We could hardly see for the spray, or hear for the thunder of thousands of gallons of water. At Altoona, in the Allegheny National Forest, we came across a railway museum and its famous curved railroad track: Horseshoe Curve which was blasted out of solid rock in Victorian times. We watched in amazement as we were surrounded simultaneously - by both the front and back end of a very long train with four engines travelling the long mountain loop - taking a full 10 minutes before passing out of sight... a must-see! Gettysburg’s - famous for Abraham Lincoln address is one of America’s most historic sites. The battlefields were dignified and atmospheric, with its many monuments, and pretty Pennsylvania pastureland surroundings. Our last stop, before heading for the airport for our flight home, was Lancaster County (location of the Harrison Ford film: Witness).Passing by a tiny village school, I was amazed to see some small Amish children dressed in black clothes, straw hats and bonnets, playing in the playground. While nearby, a young man ploughed a field with a horse and old-fashioned plough. Another, scooted up to a mailbox to post his letters on a child’s scooter (any form of powered travel is not allowed). A visit to a fascinating Amish Museum taught us that these people have no electricity; no music, no ornaments and the women are forbidden to wear make-up and must always cover their hair - yet they are seemingly happy with their lot. Makes you think, ‘eh?
Brita Bevis, NG34
Sounds of silence, Ayres Rock, Australia
Canapes and Champagne as you watch the most awe inspiring sunset over Uluru then wandering down to 5* restaurant quality set tables to dine under the stars on traditional food and local dishes such as crocodile, emu and kangaroo, then after everyone trying to 'play' the didgeridoo the most wonderful natural show begins.... all the candles are blown out and as your in the middle of the outback there is no other lighting, you sit waiting for your eyes to adjust but they don’t. Your partner is next to you yet you cannot see him at all not even an outline THEN you look up as instructed by the astronomer and what meets your gaze is simply awe inspiring, firstly you notice there is no moon and as your eyes focus more you can clearly see the milky way , saturn with a ring around, the reddish glow of mars, then the plough and various other star constellations are pointed out as your eyes try to take in the millions of stars that can be seen all this without the use of a telescope before this I had never seen a shooting star, that night I stopped counting at 21, I cant find suitable words to explain the overall experience but if any of your listeners are out that way this will be one trip they MUST not miss!
Alison Kennedy, NE7
Dubrovnik
It was a weekend in Dubrovnik during their annual music festival. We had just enjoyed an outdoor evening meal and were strolling through the streets. We came across a 'living statue' of an angel who attracted much attention. We could hear music from frthher down tha main street. Following the sound we came across a group of young men (students?) giving a recital. They had attracted quite a crowd. It was glorious and kept all of us spellbound for ages. This is definately a city to visit in September duing the festival.
Linda Brockban, BL9
Egypt
I think everyone should have the chance to experience first hand the underwater breathtaking colours of the sea life of the Red Sea. I am not a particularly strong or good swimmer, and not particularly young, preferring the safety of a swimming pool, but whilst on holiday in Sharm el Sheik, I noticed that many of the people staying at the hotel would go snorkelling. Therefore, I thought why not have a go at this sport! Not feeling very confident of my ability to keep my head under water without my goggles getting waterlogged and steamed up, having to breath through a tube, and swim all at the same time, much to husband’s amusement, I therefore firmly placed my feet on the bottom of a shallow part of the sea bed and stuck my head under the water, I certainly wasn’t risking the swimming bit yet. The technique of breathing through this tube did not exactly come easy, I seemed to hold my breath instead of breathing, which after a while you realise is not at all possible! Anyway, after a few practices I seemed to improve enough, so off I went swimming through the briny to be rewarded by the magic experience of the wonderful life under the sea, and what a wonderful life it was to watch. I cannot explain the magic of looking down at all the breathtakingly vibrant colours that you would never imagine on fish of all sizes, and such beautiful corals encrusted with exquisite sea creatures, its one experience that I shall never, ever forget. One day, feeling a little bit braver, I went snorkelling off the end of the pier, but only did this once, as it really spooked me when all of a sudden the edge of the coral seemed to disappear and you are left looking down some 30 or 40 foot into the deep, deep ocean, with large shoals of fish. Not being one with a good head for heights, or perhaps the fear of ‘jaws’ appearing, I hasten to add that I soon headed back to the safety of the ladder and onto dry land again, I will leave the deeper views for those who are more experienced. I feel privileged to have seen such memorable sights and feel very proud of myself in finding the courage to be able to do so.
Brenda Elkins, BL8
Versailles
Not so long ago, I planned a trip for my wife's birthday and my destination was Paris. In particular, I wanted my wife to see the wonderful palace of Versailles. Her birthday falls on the 1st of June and whilst I have always thought of June as the flaming month, for many years this has not been the case. Imagine then, my joy when we awoke on that day to beautiful blue skies and sunshine. The Palace of Versailles stood out magnificently and the view from the house to the stunning gardens was quite out of this world. After visiting the stately and historical palace, I decided that a real treat would be to take a horse and carriage to travel around the grounds. Now, I must tell you that in all the many, many years that I have travelled to France and to the palace in particular, I have never been able to see the fountains working. Imagine my joy when we arrived at the time of a music festival to celebrate the life of Jean-Baptiste Lully who was the musician at the time of Louis X1V the king who had the palace built in the 17th century. I cannot describe the beauty of seeing all of the fountains working at the same the same time with Lully's music. The fountains sprays had been especially synchronised with the music into some remarkable water effects. My wife was extremely pleased with our visit and we vowed to return one day. As she is now approaching a very special birthday in June, it would be wonderful to discover another beautiful and historic European town.
Stanley Goodman, CM16
The South Island of New Zealand
My husband and I were on a two week driving holiday in the marvellous South Island of New Zealand in 1995, staying at B&Bs on the way. Fortunately we had the most unbelievable sunny weather and started our trip in Queenstown where we visited the beautiful Milford Sound after an amazing flight through mountains. We then went on to be passengers on a speed boat down Lake Wakatipu; we flew in a helicopter over Mount Cook and landed on it, walked on Fox’s Glacier and hang glided off a mountain. These were some of the things we did on our way towards Hamilton, constantly driving with the snow capped mountains surrounding us, and it was perfect. The South Island is known for its rainy weather but the only day we had rain was when we visited Kaikoura, the whale town. In keeping with adventure as you do in New Zealand we wanted to see a one. When we tried to book a boat, we were told that none were leaving the shore as the conditions were too rough. Being disappointed we said after having such a great holiday so far, it is a pity that we can’t go out to see a whale. The person behind the counter told us to wait a moment then came back. One boat was going out on its maiden voyage and its passengers were all the skippers from the other boats. He said we could go with them complimentary. Excited we quickly agreed and were told to hurry down to the wharf, as they would be leaving soon. We didn’t give ourselves enough time to consider whether it was wise or not to go out in such weather conditions. When we got on board we saw mostly strong, robust Maoris, the skippers of the other vessels. The boat started out on its journey. We have never experienced anything like it on the water before. Holding onto our seats we were steeply raising up and down, water pouring over the windows. We felt like Captain Ahab looking for Moby Dick. It was terrifying, our hearts constantly in our mouths, however those around us were laughing and talking oblivious to the conditions, so we tried not to panic and fortunately we were not sick. After a good forty minutes out at sea the weather started calming down and there was talk of sighting a whale. To our great surprise as we thought in these conditions it wasn’t going to be possible, there was the most extraordinary creature coming out of the sea. The boat got closer and the whale seemed to know we wanted to view it and it just stayed on the surface spouting water. An incredible peaceful feeling came over us, particularly as it was so wild not long before. As we all moved outside towards the front of this new vessel, everything became very still. Then suddenly the great whale flipped its tail as if waving good bye and descended back into the ocean. We had seen it, it was just awesome and the boat had passed its maiden voyage. This experience with the Maori skippers who knew everything would be alright from the start and seeing the whale was amazing, we will never forget it - the one day the sun didn’t shine for us in New Zealand.
Peta Purdy, W1G
If I could only go to one place...
Lake Quinault Hotel, Lake Quinault, Washington state, USA
This place is great for getting back to nature without having sand between your toes for the whole fortnight and having to clean your feet before you go in your room. There is not a grain of sand to be seen. Just peace and quiet, nature trails, lush wild beautiful scenery. A peaceful shimmering lake. Should you wish to go in winter they hotel on Lake Quinault has log fires in some rooms. Should you feel the need to get sand between your toes to prove you have been on holiday then the Pacific coast with its huge rolling waves and wild sand is about an hours drive away. If in need of city life and shopping Seattle is just over an hour away. In all the perfect spot to unwind relax and most of all enjoy it.
Ann Sirrell, BS37
SUN CITY SOUTH AFRICA
My husband and I went on a holiday in sunny South Africa Sun City resort, even though I am from Zimbabwe I had never been to South Africa (neighbouring countries) I loved everything about it! The blue skies, the hot October sun we are Chauffeur driven from Johannesburg airport to our hotel! Superb! We stayed at the cabanas and I thought wow when i walked out of the car, the palace was packed but everyone seemed enjoying themselves, went on a safari to catch a glimpse of the big 5 wonderful views, went for safari at sunset and the atmosphere was just awesome. Everyone enjoyed managed to take picture of the big5. Love it my holiday will go there every year given the chance and stay at the 5 different hotels on different visits
Danai Matambanadzo, MK4
Kasbah du Toukbal, Morroco
We had flown to Marrakesh with a school party. As I said to the students it was just about the best combination of a relatively short journey to somewhere most different that I could imagine. As part of the trip we stayed at the Kasbah du Toukbal, high up in the Imlil Valley in the Atlas mountains. Some say that these, magnificent and imposing, were the inspiration for Tolkeins Misty Mountains. Hospitality and accommodation were superb, but I had a desire to sleep out on the roof of the Kasbah and watch the dawn rise. Rather unfairly I settled the students down and then at about 2 in the morning slipped out of my room and with my sleeping bag onto the roof terrace. Absolutely majestic is an understatement. In the thin mountain air the stars completely peppered the sky, it was thick with them. In passing I could understand why far distant people, our ancestors, needed an explanation for this vision. It got cold but true to say the dawn did slowly and wonderfully begin to rise over the mountain peaks. And then an unexpected surprise. All along the valley the sounds of the Imans calling the population to morning prayer made some local sense to me. As the first touch of dawn reached each isolated village it sparked the sound. And to me, as well as the call to prayer it was also a call of community. Each village was, effectively, saying dawn is here, another night in an infinite eternity has passed - and all is well. To me, stars, mountains, people past present and future were united.
Mark Ingall, PL5
Thailand
In 2006 we visited Bangkok in Thailand en-route to Australia to visit my brother, who I had not seen for some years. He lives in Pattya and came up to stay for a few days in Bangkok to meet up with us. He knew the area well, which was a blessing as I found it very confusing, not speaking the language or understanding the signage. We were taken to dinner in a very unusual restaurant, resembling a Swiss chalet! The air conditioning was blowing out into the street and made the place look as if it was surrounded by a cloud. On coming out of the restaurant we were almost run down by an elephant (only a little one) that was walking free in the street. We went on the river via the ferry and saw really unusual sights along the way. We arrived at Wat Arun and saw the most incredible palace I have ever seen in my life. Every surface was covered in some form of art, from wall paintings to stunning mosaics. You didn't know where to look first. It was a real assault on the senses. Maybe we will be able to visit once more to see more of the hinterland of Thailand, which I understand is very beautiful and also see my brother once more before we are too old to make the journey.
Barbara Collins-Newing, CT18
Porvo in Finland
While holidaying in Finland , 3 years ago I took a trip to the Medieval town of Porvoo, where as you stroll through narrow cobbled streets ,with old wooden houses, and red warehouses on the banks of the river. It was a very peaceful day and I could hear strains of organ music, so, set off in the direction it was coming from. As I turned the corner a magnificent Medieval Cathedral ,beckoned ,so, finding myself inside , I was privileged to see and hear utter beauty, as in the organ loft a tenor rehearsed , music such like I've never heard before , and as I sat I realised that above me hung a replica of a ship , portraying their seafaring past. The colours were green and gold ,and combined with the music , I was moved to tears . Never before nor since have I ever experienced anything like this truly wonderful moment.
Lorna Forbes, AB30
Lapland
6 years ago when our children were 5 and 3 years old we took them to Lapland. I was somewhat ambivalent about the trip because it was our most expensive holiday and only lasted 3 nights! Furthermore there was the added expense of buying snow clothing but my wife had her heart set on this trip and spent much time staring at the internet in the vain hope that the price would fall. It actually went up but I cracked and booked the holiday anyway. We booked a late night snowmobile trip and the children were wrapped up in a sleigh behind us. They enjoyed the trip greatly and when we returned to the hotel they were asleep snuggled against each other with a look of sheer contentment. It was a priceless moment and a memory that will be with us forever. It made me understand the true value of family life and that money and the pressures of work are of far lesser importance.
David Aitchison, E4 7DY