Tag: unforgetable

Why you should visit the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

By Farzana Haque 

Aug 1st to 25th – Mark your dates for one of the best art and theatre festivals of the world!

Festivals… India’s so full of them, we must have one every day! As much as we enjoy celebrating them in our home country, it’s interesting to know that there are many festivals celebrated around the world, and amongst a few avid travellers a fetish to visit them. They are definitely not all Religious, while a few could have started with some tradition or the other, many are related to the customs of the place, the season, the sport, music genres, films, food, drink and even education! To name a few which would certainly ring a bell for most of you are the La Tomatina festival, Sundance festival, Mardi Gras New Orleans, Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, the famous Lantern festival in Taiwan, Oktoberfest.

In my visit to Scotland last summer in August, a family reunion of sorts, we were driving across the country from our base at Killin and ended the trip with a stay at Edinburgh. This was around the 18th of August. This Scottish town, famous world over for its University, its Arts and Architecture program and of course the Edinburgh castle, just bowled us over. What a beautiful town, a pleasure to explore on foot the many museums, historical buildings and markets. But what luck! We happened to be bang in the middle of the famous FRINGE FESTIVAL. It goes on from the 1st to the 25th of August and it’s the largest street art and theatre festival in the world! There are over 3000 shows to choose from around the world and the entire city’s restaurants, pubs and halls participate in holding these shows.

The most interesting part of the Fringe festival is that combined with the shows, is the street fair on The Royal Mile, an entire stretch of road that’s converted into a non-traffic zone with a full carnival atmosphere. All the participants from across the world are selling their shows on this street in the most innovative ways… you have human statues, actual scenes from Shakespeare being played out, music fests, gory scenes, comedy all of it showcased to gain your attention. A square at the Royal Mile is converted into a kind of stage and one of the best acts we saw was by an Argentinian comedian cum dancer, you can’t really get enough of it.

Yes for sure Indians also participate, so there were some Indian acts too! Besides this there are a lot of quaint shops and stalls selling Scottish good, curios, bag piper, kilts, chocolates and antiquities. You hardly realize how you’ve passed the day meandering in between these and the show people.

In the snaps you see a blue colour lady statue, well she’s live and acting, most amazing. Each act is a total surprise.

If you are planning a visit to the UK this summer, especially in August… do drop into Edinburgh and catch the FRINGE, it’s certainly a must do on a long list of must see’s, must do’s of travel. You’ll not only have fun, but get to see so many cultures and theatre from across the world, it’ll only leave you wanting more.

 

Written by: Farzana Haque (The Wanderers, Nagpur)

All you need to know about Capri

By Shobita Louis 

The Island of Capri has long been a popular day trip for travellers visiting Naples or the Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Positano  & Ravello). The island can also be considered an excellent alternative to stay on as well.

Location:

Capri is a pretty island in the Bay of Naples and has two towns – Capri and Ana Capri. The historical city centre (Piazzetta) is located in Capri.

How do I get there:

Ferries or speedboats, if however, you want, a helicopter transfer can be arranged

Getting around the Island:

The city centre of Capri and other parts are car free. However, public transport is very efficient and taxis are available 24 hours. The easiest ways of travelling whilst on the islands are,

  1. Buses (they are actually minibuses)
  2. Taxis
  3. The Funicular railway
  4. Walking – for those inclined, you can actually walk from Capri to Anacapri (It is about an hour uphill)

 

When to go or not to go:

PEAK SEASON (July & August) – It is crowded and expensive and is better to avoid

HIGH SEASON (June – September) – Rates are lower than the peak season, however, can be a bit crowded

LOW SEASON (April, May & October) – This is a good time to visit as the rates are better and crowds less

REMEMBER – Most hotels are closed from November to about mid or end March. Many shops and restaurants are also shut. There are about two restaurants open during this time, mainly for day trippers. Ferries will have less service and the funicular is also closed usually in November and December for maintenance.

The Wanderers’ Take

  • Hire a ‘Gozzo’, a traditional Sorrentine wooden boat to take you around the island for the day. This allows you to swim at various locations and explore the rugged coastline, hidden caves and secluded beaches.
  • The island is a ‘walker’s hikers paradise’ and there are several amazing walks and hikes around the island. Even if you are not an enthusiastic walkers, this would be a unique and once in a life time experience because of the views!
  • A visit to the iconic Blue Grotto is a bonus for those staying on the island. Once the day trippers with their boats are gone, you may be allowed actually swim around the Blue Grotto cave!
  • If you are more adventurous, you could explore the coast on a canoeing trip
  • In the evening, once the day trippers are gone, the island is less manic and becomes a different place. Add a touch of pizazz to your holiday; dress up and relax in the glamorous and charming main square, in one of several cafes and bars, listening to the live bands that sometimes play there while you sip on a glass of wine.

 Who should go there:

– Someone looking for something different!
– Excellent for couples, honeymooners or someone celebrating an anniversary
– Families with teens – there’s history and also some fun outdoorsy things to do!

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