Images of Sao Miguel, the Green Island in the Azores

King's View over the Crater Lakes ©Solange Hando

A scenic but winding drive from Ponta Delgada, the 'seven cities' refer to one small town and seven craters, dormant at the moment but still delighting visitors with four beautiful lakes.

The lake above is renowned for its changing colours from deep blue to turquoise and green  depending on shadows and light.

Mirador on the East Coast ©Solange Hando

Unlike much of the south coast, the north and east are rugged and wild, isolated until recent times so rich in endemic vegetation and birds, including the common buzzard.

They say the islands were named after the 'azure' birds though no one has ever seen them.

Tea Plantation in Sao Miguel ©Solange Hando

This is the only place in Europe where tea is grown and manufactured. It all started in the 1880s, soon reputed for its subtle taste thanks to a Chinese expert who encouraged polishing before packing.

According to legend, the 5 o'clock tea in England was introduced by a lonely Portuguese Queen, wife of Charles Stuart, as a way to make friends with the ladies and keep them away from her man...

Furnas Thermal Pool ©Solange Hando

Around 40 hot springs bubble and steam near the south coast in the Furnas area, all with different medicinal properties, but most popular is this large swimming pool, coloured orange by minerals.

A short drive away is a peaceful lake where you can relax on a boat while your lunch is being cooked in nearby fumaroles.

 Nature Park in Sao Miguel ©Solange Hando

The 'Nordeste' area is a great place to trek with views of  Pico da Vara by clear weather, the highest peak at over 1100 metres.

The Nature Park of Ribeira dos Caldeiros takes you to this picturesque village in a deep wooded valley and a cool waterfall tucked away in the trees.

Santa Iria Mirador on the North Coast ©Solange Hando

Sao Miguel has superb scenery  but most memorable are the hydrangea blooming along the cliffs, roads and trails and used in agricultural land to divide the fields, easy to maintain and far more colourful than fences or walls.

Images of the Azores, Faial and Pico Islands

Enjoy Horta in Faial Island ©Solange Hando

Framed by green hills, Faial's capital, is a delightful place with two luminous bays, a sandy beach and a harbour with classy yachts and art work designed by sailors from all over the world.

Colourful houses line the shore as visitors in the know head for Peter's café whose signature cocktail is listed among the top 12 in the world.

Capelhinos on Faial Island ©Solange Hando

But there is much to explore beyond Horta, most dramatic the Capelinhos volcano which erupted in the 50s. There is a trail right up to the top but also superb views from  the nearby lighthouse up 140 steps.

There are plenty of walking trails around this Nature Park which also includes a vast green caldeira with a new crater and lots of wild flowers.

Scenic Cove, Faial ©Solange Hando

The coast is equally spectacular, with great views from the hilltop chapel above Horta or along the shore from Horta to Feteira where waves crash relentlessly over volcanic rocks and archways.

Sailing to Pico Island.

It's only a 30 minute cruise from Faial to Pico, the second largest island in the Azores, yet a quiet and pristine place with few tourists around

They call it the Black Island for its volcanic hills, a source of pride which gives it a character all of its own, although of course the other Azores are also on tectonic plates.

Pico Island, Day Trip from Faial ©Solange Hando

You may not expect it but minutes from the harbour, you reach these enticing vineyards growing out of the lava rocks. They produce quality wines, including fortified wines, and there's even a wine museum nearby.

Beautifully restored, this windmill can still pay tribute to ancient traditions, making the most of the Atlantic breeze.

Mount Pico ©Solange Hando

Giving its name to the island, this awesome volcano is the highest peak in the Azores, a challenge for anyone hoping to reach the top at 2351 metres, but as clouds come and go, the view across the water keeps you spellbound. Best times are early morning or late evening.

Azores Images, Angra, Capital of Terceira Island

St John's Festival on Terceira Island ©Solange Hando

In the true spirit of the Azores, Terceira loves its festivals, especially the Feast of St John celebrated for over a week every June in Angra, the capital.

Parades, dancing, concerts, bullfights and more,it is above all a local festival, though tourists are welcome, and a way to bring people together from different villages and even islands.

Former Jesuit Convent ©Solange Hando

Angra is the oldest city in the Azores and after extensive damage caused by the 1980 earthquake, it has been beautifully rebuilt in Renaissance style with pretty balconies, balustrades and pastel colours.

It is a UNESCO site spreading all up and down the main cobbled street where the cathedral holds centre ground.

Vasco de Gama in Angra ©Solange Hando

Illustrious visitors include Pope John Paul II who came in 1991 and Vasco de Gama who dropped anchor in Angra in 1499 to lay to rest his brother who had perished during their return journey from India.

Pretty Street, Angra ©Solange Hando

Beyond the most stylish buildings, it is well worth wandering through the lanes, as quiet as a village and lined with humble traditional dwellings. Colours are everywhere -blue seems a favourite- and there are plenty of flowers and greenery.

Angra's Botanical Garden ©Solange Hando

Small but carefully designed and maintained, this is an oasis of peace complete with water features, trees and plants along the paths paved with clever designs of birds, cats and butterflies.

The garden climbs up to the hilltop pyramid which offers fabulous views over the city and the adjoining peninsula of Mount Brasil.

City and Coastal View from Mount Brasil ©Solange Hando

Accessed by road or on foot, Mount Brasil rises above the fortress to a wonderful viewpoint and a network of scenic trails which can take you along the clifftop, where you might spot whales in season, or all around the crater rim from open land with ocean views to the forest twittering with birds.

See London from The Shard

The Shard, London Top Attraction ©Solange Hando

Opened in 2013, The Shard was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano as a 'vertical city' where people could work, live and relax. Above the offices, restaurants and bars, luxury hotel and residences, observation platforms on floors 68-72 are open to the public below the tall spiky arrow.

This most challenging top section was built in a Yorkshire steel plant, then taken apart, transported to London and reassembled on the site.

View towards the London Eye, Big Ben and St Paul's Cathedral nearby ©Solange Hando

Rising 244 metres above the city, the top platform offers all round views stretching from Heathrow airport in the west to the Thames estuary in the east. From the meandering river and its many bridges to London's main monuments, the panorama is unbeatable by clear weather.

Shard Shadow ©Solange Hando

Once you have reached the observation platforms, via the dedicated lifts (there are 40 lifts altogether in the building), you can stay as long as you wish  and on a sunny day, watch the Shard's shadow creeping along the river as if to reflect the passing of the time.

All windows are kept beautifully clean, fully enclosed on floor 68 but when you reach 72, expect the cool breeze blowing through the top open floors (not accessible). There are 95 floors in all.

View towards Canary Wharf ©Solange Hando

Equally good view on this side, from the Tower Bridge and beyond where the river seems to wind on to the horizon. The Shard is covered by 11,000 glass panels, assembled in the Netherlands, and cleaned on the top floors by climbing/abseiling experts. During the construction, up to 1450 workers from 60 nationalities were employed at peak times.

That says it all ©Solange Hando

What more could you want? Sip away the best champagne -at a price-  or a fabulous cocktail or treat yourself to a scoop of Italian ice cream.

One shouldn't  rush a visit to The Shard and if you can't get enough of the views, you can upgrade your ticket and return in the evening to see the London lights.

Enjoy and Take Care ©Solange Hando

Almaty in Kazakhstan, Royal Tulip Hotel

Royal Tulip Hotel in Almaty ©Solange Hando

At the foot of the Tien Shan mountains in southern Kazakhstan, the 5 star Royal Tulip  is among the best hotels in Almaty, the former capital and top cultural centre.

Located at around 1000 metres, it's a lovely oasis with water features and flowers and all the luxury you would expect.

The Reception Area ©Solange Hando

Step through the revolving doors and beyond the security scan, you are greeted in an elegant circular area with gleaming columns, fresh flowers and chandeliers. Service is efficient and prompt, staff helpful and English speaking.

Guest Room at the Royal Tulip Almaty ©Solange Hando

The hotel has 155 rooms and 10 suites, including executive and presidential. Rooms are spacious with period furnishings, ample storing space and top amenities.

Bathrooms are equally large with dressing area, double washbasin,bath and walk-in shower.

Almaty Royal Tulip ©Solange Hando

All room corridors are open, with space and light enhanced by golden rails, soothing paintings and green plants. Glass lifts leading to the upper floors let you to appreciate the palatial interior.

Breakfast Time ©Solange Hando

This is just a small selection of the luscious breakfast available in the Royal Cafe which also offers international cuisine throughout the day.

Relax in the lounge bar for tempting drinks and refreshments and look out for the Wine Gallery where you will find 100 famous wines from across the world.

The Grand Ballroom ©Solange Hando

Sought after by discerning locals and visitors alike, the Grand Ballroom is the top venue for VIP receptions and weddings, as was the case for the President's grandson.

Other facilities include three conference rooms, an indoor pool with underwater massage, waterfall and whirlpool and a spa and wellness centre offering among others hammam, Russian bath and Finnish sauna.

Scenic Mountain View from Royal Tulip Almaty ©Solange Hando

Andorra La Vella, Capital City

Pont de Paris in Andorra  La Vella ©Solange Hando

Stretching over the Valira river, this elegant bridge is just one example of the avant-garde architecture appreciated in Andorra.

It's 45 metres long on its straight section and 27 on the semi-circular part, contrasting in its own way with the older buildings in town.

Bird's eye View of Andorra La Vella ©Solange Hando

For an overall view of the capital, walk up the steep path leading to the irrigation channel running half way up along the slope.

See the mountains all around, including the southern section close to Spain, the buildings of Andorra La Vella - the capital of the namesake principality few people know about- and most surprisingly all the gardens and allotments climbing up the hills wherever there is space. 

Time Immemorial by Salvador Dahli ©Solange Hando

This is one of several modern sculptures you will find around Andorra La Vella and the adjoining town Escaldes.

It is made of bronze, weighs 1400 kgs and symbolises the passing of time. The crown on the top shows how time dominates humanity.

Old District ©Solange Hando

But beyond the modern art and architecture and away from the glittering boutiques and duty free shops, the Old Town is a cultural heritage site laced with cobbled lanes and stepped alleyways winding up and down the hilly capital.

Now and then you come across a hidden square, the perfect place to meet the locals and enjoy the local fare.

St Esteve Church in Andorra La Vella ©Solange Hando

First built in the 12th century and altered over time, this quiet Romanesque church has kept its bell tower and semi-circular apse with Lombardian decorations.

It is located in the old district close to the river and the Parliament Building.

So where is Andorra?

In the Pyrenees, bordered by France and Spain

Top attractions?

Trekking in summer, skiing in winter

Duty free allowance year round

Direct transfers from Toulouse or Barcelona

Enjoy!

Images London City Cruise

London Eye ©Solange Hando

On the south bank of the Thames, the London Eye was open in 2000 and is still the largest Ferris wheel in Europe and the top paid tourist attraction in the UK.

Old and New along the River Thames ©Solange Hando

Starting at Westminster pier, the London city cruise unfolds a stunning and at times surprising scenery,  luxury apartments and skyscraper to the left, old red brick buildings to the right, plus cruise and sailing boats.

The Tower of London from the Cruise ©Solange Hando

Built on the north bank in 1066 and later expanded, the Tower has acted as royal residence, fortress and prison  and it is home to the Crown Jewels.

London along the Thames ©Solange Hando

Sail under the bridges, see the sights such as St Paul's cathedral dome on the far left. but most exciting for many of us is the innovative architecture which has given London a brand new face.

The Shard ©Solange Hando

Most iconic these days is the glass-clad pyramid of the Shard designed by an Italain architect and 95% owned by Qatar. London's highest observation desk is on the 72nd floor for the best views of the city.

London Tower Bridge ©Solange Hando

Book the late afternoon cruise in summer and you might enjoy a superb sunset over the Thames as you reach the famous Tower Bridge. Built in the late 1800s, it lifts when needed to let the boats through. River traffic has priority over the road and the 40,000 people who go across every day.