Norway, Weekend in Bergen

Bergen Old Town, Bryggen ©Solange Hando

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway but you'd hardly notice. Bryggen, the old district, welcomes you with brightly coloured houses, quaint alleyways and all the charm of a traditional village while along the quay, yachts bob at anchor in the soft evening light.

The market is just steps away, brimming with seafood, fresh vegetables and fruit, including an irresistible assortment of berries you can eat as you go.

Voss near Bergen ©Solange Hando

You could spend a whole day just wandering through the streets but a short train ride away, the bucolic town of Voss lures you with lush pastures, toy-like houses sprinkled here and there, snow lingering on the mountain tops, even in summer, and a lake to cool you down.

There are cycling and hiking trails and a passion for extreme sports, be it white water rafting or tandem skydiving. 

Fjord near Bergen ©Solange Hando

They call Bergen the gateway to the Norwegian fjords and it is indeed the perfect place to enjoy a half-day cruise in a magical wonderland.

Try the catamaran tour around the island of Osteroy where the scenery is for ever changing, from verdant slopes to dramatic cliffs, from boundless water and sky to waterfalls cascading wherever you turn. You might just imagine elves and trolls peeping through the trees as Grieg's haunting melodies drift from your boat.

On Top of the World ©Solange Hando

Meanwhile in Bergen, there are hills to climb all around  with fabulous views of islands and lakes and the town at your feet. Easily accessed from Bryggen is Rundemanen where a funicular takes you up to a breathtaking viewpoint and a forested trail heads for the hill top and more spectacular views on the other side. 

But on a clear day, you cannot beat Ulrike Hill with its cable car, just a bus ride from the town centre, and its enticing network of open trails with views to die for in every direction.

Bundalet in the Western Isles ©Solange Hando

But would you like a true taste of Norwegian life? Sail for a day to the western islands, catamaran, ferry and mail boat where the captain and his crew (the postman) will guide you through myriad islands untouched by time. You won't find a more genuine adventure, no tourists around except a handful of travelling companions.

Back in Bergen, Relax and Enjoy the Sunset ©Solange Hando

Rome, Trevi Fountain and others

Rome, Trevi Fountain ©Solange Hando

Did you know that Rome claims over 2000 fountains, the largest number in any city in the world? Top of the list is the monumental Trevi, one of the capital's best known landmarks featured in films and on postage stamps.

Built of gleaming white stone in the 18th century and set against the Palazzo Poli, it is said to represent the taming of the water brought along the 'Aqua Virgin' aqueduct, named after a young Roman virgin who discovered a life-giving spring 26 km away.

The Barcaccia Fountain in Rome ©Solange Hando

Meanwhile on the Spanish Square, below the famous steps, the boat-shaped Barcaccia fountain recalls the disastrous flood of 1598 when the Tiber brought myriad boats right up to this spot.

It was built in the 17th century by Pietro Bernini and his son and they say that on his death bed, the English poet Keats was soothed by the gentle sound of the water.

Fountain in Villa Borghese Gardens ©Solange Hando

In the vast landscaped gardens of Villa Borghese where the people of Rome love to relax on a hot summer day, water features include lake, pond and fountains.

The Borghese Gallery tucked among the trees displays Italian paintings and sculptures by Bernini, most admired an Apollo and Daphne.

Piazza Navona, Fountain of the Moor ©Solange Hando

On this colourful Baroque square following the contours of the Roman circus, three fountains keep visitors spellbound. Set against an Egyptian obelisk at the centre of the Piazza, you find one of Bernini's most celebrated works, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, Danube, Ganges, Rio de la Plata and Nile which symbolised the continents known at the time.

At the northern end is the Neptune Fountain and to the south the Fountain of the Moor, named after the statue of an African man wrestling with a dolphin. 

The Trevi Fountain by Night ©Solange Hando

But at the end of the day, most visitors head back to the Trevi, the place to linger long after dark, dreaming of the 'Dolce Vita' partly filmed on the spot. But if you'd like to return to Rome one day, be sure to throw in a coin with your back turned to the water. Just waiting to see if it works...

Like to Be a Travel Writer?

Over the Rainbow ©Solange Hando

Dreams can come true
and
I can help you

Here are my top tips

for a 

a winning style
to please editors and sell your work 

DO

Include details which paint a picture but be selective

'the child... with a runny nose'

Be specific so readers can see, trees, flowers, birds

 an oak, a pine tree, cowslip or bluebells?

Remember the senses

all five of them, that's how we experience the world

Show rather than tell

'there was a narrow gap in the rocks': he could barely squeeze through...

Choose action verbs rather than static

'she wore a sari': her sari fluttered in the breeze

DON'T

Use the passive voice when the active will do

'she was chased by the dog', the dog chased her, barking...

Don't use vague qualifiers

'it was quite difficult': was it or wasn't it? make up your mind

Vague adjectives

'beautiful scenery': I can't see that, can you?

Clichés

'snow white, black as coal': try to be original

Don't pad with trivia to reach the word count

if you need to add anything, make it relevant

Avoid foreign or difficult words

give your readers an easy ride and they'll stay with you

Would you like to know more?

Just 100 pages and all the tips you need to succeed

Be a Travel Writer 

Enjoy and I'll see you on the road...

 On the road? It's ok, not a lion in sight ©Solange Hando

Greek Island Holiday, Symi, Pedi Beach Hotel

Symi Island, Yialos Harbour ©Solange Hando

Just 35 minutes from Rhodes by catamaran, Symi is one of the most enticing Dodecanese islands. The main settlement, also called Symi, includes the colourful harbour of Yialos and Chorio, the old village climbing up the hillside through a maze of steps and lanes.

Pedi Beach Hotel, Symi ©Solange Hando

 Yialos has its share of hotels but just over the hill on the east coast, Pedi Beach welcomes you in a secluded bay lined with fishing boats, pretty cottages and a clean pebble beach lapped by crystal clear waters.

It's the perfect place to relax, away from it all, casual and friendly in an authentic Greek setting.

Quiet Corner in Pedi Beach Hotel ©Solange Hando

This low-rise traditional hotel has 56 rooms, from single to family, simply furnished but all with balcony and sea or mountain views. The buffet restaurant and bar include a panoramic terrace overlooking the bay.

The Pedi Beach Hotel has air conditioning, a small library, a pleasant courtyard draped in palms and bougainvillea, beach umbrellas and sunbeds.

Looking across the Bay from Pedi Beach Hotel, Symi ©Solange Hando

Framed by mountains and cliffs, the bay is formed by a deep inlet of the Aegean sea, a true haven of peace, especially in early or late season.

Here you soon forget the hustle and bustle of Yialos but if you feel like a change, the town is within walking distance, about 30 minutes up then downhill (with spectacular views), but there's also a regular bus service for less than 2 euros each way.

Saint Nicholas Cove, Pedi ©Solange Hando

Guests can swim by the hotel but for a desert island feel, follow the scenic coastal path and within 10 minutes or so, you will reach this glorious little beach, accessed only on foot or by water taxi.

Other popular excursions in Symi range from mountain and village tours to cruises around the island, stopping en route at the stunning monastery of Panormitis down south.

Panormitis Monastery on Symi Island, Greece ©Solange Hando

Love Travel, Love Writing, How to Sell? Spread your Wings...

 Up and Away ©Solange Hando

Is the market shrinking in your corner of the world?

Think global

Over 80 countries use English as their official language

Check them out on the web

See what they publish

Lifestyle, in-flight magazines and more

Are glossy travel magazines just for famous writers?

Big names sell copies but no editor will turn down a brilliant idea

So if you have a riveting story to share, with images, go for it

Pitch before you write

Get off the destination track 

Most publications include travel of one kind or another

Choose a specific angle to increase your chances:

Interview, history, festival, hotel review, local transport, market, temple, visiting a school

Wherever you go, there's always a winning story

The tighter the focus, the better

Like to hop on? Cuba ©Solange Hando

Explore every niche

Look out for specialist publications

 Spa, honeymoons, health, outdoor activities, property
Heritage, hobbies, food and wine

                          

Families, seniors, singles, business, disabled, students

Vintage travel, railway magazines, cruising, canal boats

All have scope for a travel-related piece

Study general interest magazines

Top of the list, women's weeklies which need a lot of copy to fill their pages

Be sure to write for the readers

Add newspapers, county magazines, trade publications.

I could be tempted to throw in a few names but the publishing world is always changing, in with the new, out with the old at a moment's notice.

Got an idea?

Great but it's like the stock exchange 

Check the current market then go for it 

but remember to spread your wings in all directions and think small as well as big.

Would you like to know more?

We can help you 

Be a Travel Writer

Bhutan, great but how much does it cost?

Punakha Valley ©Solange Hando

How much ?

From US$200 a day, depending on group size and season

Expensive or value for money?

You decide
Here's what's included:

Bhutanese Guide (included)  ©Solange Hando

qualified guide 24/7

full board in traditional comfortable hotels

all internal transport in private vehicle

all entrance fees / festivals 

trekking staff  / equipment if applicable

all taxes

Traditional Bhutanese Hotel (included) ©Solange Hando

Any extras?

supplement for 5 star accommodation

drinks (other than water and tea)

personal purchases, tips at your discretion

Now, consider the cost of one night -room only- in London

What do you think?

Traditional Festival (included) ©Solange Hando

Basics aside, what else do you get for your money?

An amazing insight into a unique culture:

Where else is Gross National Happiness enshrined in the Constitution?

Where else would a king stop his car to chat to a farmer?
Or join in an archery contest on his coronation?

Bhutan's National Sport ©Solange Hando

Add

a pristine natural world

gentle people

superb arts and crafts

and to top it all

unrivalled views of Everest along the way

Everest /Himalaya on the way to Bhutan ©Solange Hando

Tempted?

After four visits, I can't wait to return

For more information, see other blogs on this site or check Blue Poppy Bhutan for tailor-made trips.

Images of Tenerife

Shepherd's Leap in Tenerife ©Solange Hando

Not so long ago in the Canaries, shepherds would keep ahead of their flock or rescue stray sheep by jumping with a pole from rock to rock. The pole is made of wood with a metal tip and can be up to four metres long.

Today shepherd's leap is a highly competitive sport and as well as entertaining visitors, it keeps traditions alive.If you fancy a go, just let your man know, when he's back on the ground...

Moonscape on the Island ©Solange Hando

The Teide National Park is one of the top places in the world to study the sky, sun, stars and moon, but there's no need to crane your neck to marvel at a lunar landscape.

It's all around, rocks, craters, volcanic bombs and Mount Teide towering above it all.

Heading for the Surf, North Tenerife ©Solange Hando

But when you want to escape, there's always the ocean, beaches stretching for miles, coves and creeks and if you like to be active, there's every water sport you would expect, including surfing for all levels.

Teide National Park ©Solange Hando

If rambling is your thing and you like a challenge, it's hard to beat Teide, at over 3700 metres the highest point on the island, or its neighbour, Mount Viejo where the difficulty level is marked 'extreme'.

There are easier options however like this gentle Samara route winding its way through lava flows between two volcanoes. There are great views of the peaks and when you come down, you can see the smaller islands of Hiero and La Gomera which seem to float between ocean and sky.

Wow, what did she see? ©Solange Hando

Dolphins or pilot whales? Probably both for Tenerife is rich in marine life and in season sightings are almost guaranteed. 

There's great diving and snorkelling too or you could just relax and enjoy the breeze, or wait for the most spectacular sunset over the ocean, the drifting clouds and the nearby islands.

Tenerife Sunset ©Solange Hando