The Uffizi Gallery at night

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cfwee/ / CC BY 2.0

Written by: Roberta Leoni

The Uffizi Gallery is located in Florence, Italy. It was commissioned to be built by Cosimo I de Medici in 1560. The architect, Giorgio Vasari, began construction on what was to be the offices of the Magistrates for Florence. This is how the Uffizi (offices) got its name. When Vasari passed away the work was continued by Bernardo Buontalenti and Alfonso Parigi. Following the designs which Vasari had made the building was completed in 1581.

The Medici family had an extensive collection of artwork they either collected or had commissioned by some of the leading artists of the time. Such great masterpieces needed to be displayed. The Uffizi was the perfect place to do this. The works were put on display and anyone who wanted to view them simply needed to ask for a personal showing. The Uffizi Gallery opened its doors to the public in 1765. This makes it one of the oldest museums in the world.

Built in a U shape, the Uffizi Gallery is open at one end to overlook the Arno River. The entire building is a work of art on its own accord. The ceilings are painted with impressive art work as you walk in the main corridor. You will also find many sculptures and statues to hold your interest.

La Primavera - Alessandro Botticelli

There are works of art by some of the best artisans in Florence. Great painters like Michelangelo and Raphaello Santi have works displayed in the Uffizi Gallery. The museum is also home to collections from Botticelli and Tizian Flora.

You can spend three hours in the Uffizi and not see everything. The collection is massive. There are over 700 self portraits of the artists. Most of them were presented to the gallery by the artist, themselves. A few even made the trip to do so in person.

You will be able to see the wonderful Birth of Venus by Botticelli. Also in the gallery are works by Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio. There are 45 rooms on the second and third floors which comprise of the Uffizi Gallery. Each room is set to chronologically show style of painting throughout the ages. Although you may want to view every one of the beautiful pieces of artwork, there are more than just paintings. The Uffizi Gallery also has statues, tapestries, and an entire room devoted to miniatures.

If you want to gain entrance into the Uffizi Gallery, you can stand in line for a ticket. This line can move very slowly during the busy season. Typically, in July or so, the waiting can take hours. There is a way to avoid the queue. You can make reservations for a tour. There is a small fee of 3€ to place the reservation. When you show up at your appointed time, there is no wait. You just go to the second door and pay your entrance fee to begin your tour. It is well worth the added fee to know you will be able to view the exquisite masterpieces which are on display in the Uffizi Gallery.

Roberta Leoni writes articles for http://www.allflorence.com, a useful resource to find cheap apartments in Florence and 1&2 star hotels in Florence. Roberta is a tourist guide and specialises in the Uffizi Gallery history.

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The Jurassic Coast

Written by: Rebecca Tom

Wow, a real piece of dinosaur in your hand. It’s a possibility…

Fossil hunting is not just for geography and geology types — it’s a fun activity that can be enjoyed by anyone. Dorset, in the south of England, offers world-class fossil beds on beautiful shorelines where you can have a go at hunting for dinosaur bones and teeth. It’s  great fun for kids too, so why not head to Dorset? You never know what will turn up!

Dorset (and East Devon) are home to England’s only natural world heritage site, The Jurassic Coast — 95 miles of stunning coastline running from Exmouth to Studland that are designated by UNESCO as having ‘outstanding universal value’. The rocks there are truly special as the many fossils contained in them record 85 million years of Earth’s history, covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

You can easily spend hours on the Dorset coast looking for fossils. My favourite place for this is Charmouth. The beach has easy access, parking, a café and public toilets. It has an interesting Heritage Coast Centre on the seafront with plenty of information on the natural history and fossils of the area. The cliffs are world famous for their rocks and attract serious collectors and amateurs alike.

Walking down Charmouth beach at sunset © Rebecca Tom

There are plenty of fossils to be found all year round but the best time to look is during the spring or the winter months as there are less people about, and the storms and extreme high tides help to reveal new fossils. Charmouth is especially beautiful in the winter. Waves lash the coast and spray up over the sea wall, throwing large stones over the path at the same time. Surfers can be spotted too taking advantage of the wave power.

The most common type of fossil at Charmouth is the ammonite. They lived in the sea between 240–65 million years ago and belong to the group of predators known as the cephalopods. Living relatives include the squid, octopus, cuttlefish and nautilus. It’s amazing to discover these beautiful spiral shells and be the first human to hold them so many years after their death. Also in plentiful supply are belemnites. They first appeared around 208 million years ago and are relatives of the ammonites. Look in the shingle and on the tide line, especially as the tide starts going in. Try focussing on a small area and keep your eyes peeled.

At one end of Charmouth beach is Stonebarrow and at the other is Black Ven — the largest coastal mudslide area in Europe. Ammonite impressions can be found in the mud there but most are so delicate that they break up if not treated very carefully.

View from Charmouth © Rebecca Tom

To reach Stonebarrow you have to cross the river Char over a small bridge. Stonebarrow is good for ‘fools gold’ ammonites and crinoids – ‘sea lilies’ that are relatives of starfish. Beyond Stonebarrow is Golden Cap — the highest view on the south coast at 191m above sea level.

If you are lucky, you may come across a really amazing find (which must be registered with the World Heritage Team (01305 225101)). After heavy rain in 2000 local collector Tony Gill found the fossilised remains of a 5m long Heritage Centre.

The cliffs at Charmouth are prone to falling and can do so at any time. Mudslides also occur, especially after wet weather so keep an eye out and don’t take silly risks. Walking on the mud itself can be a mistake – my leg vanished up to my knee when I when I wasn’t paying enough attention to where I was putting my feet! Also, remember to check the tides and only set out along the coast during a falling tide. A table of the tide times can be bought in Charmouth Fossil Shop.

Durdle Door, a remarkable geological structure on the Dorset Jurassic Coast.

If this has got you interested in hunting for a dinosaur or two, why not check out some holiday cottages in Dorset, book up a few days away and see what Charmouth has to offer. Happy fossiling…

Rebecca Tom is from England and loves to travel. Her first trips outside of Europe were to Israel on a school trip and then to Thailand years later with friends. She has since been to Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and The Maldives. Next destination, Morocco.

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The coast of Nice © Lauren Salvitti

Written  by: Iain Miller

The Cote d’Azur, more commonly known in English as the French Riviera makes up the south eastern corner of France’s coastline. While this beautiful stretch of coast became one of the original resort regions in the world, it has always been a destination for travellers from other countries. The ancient Greeks came here to sell their wares to the local people and in the 1700s aristocrats from Britain used the Cote d’Azur as their favourite holiday area. In the 19th century the Russians made it into their summer retreat from St. Petersburg. The 20th century saw famous artists and writers frequently visit, as well as wealthy families from America and elsewhere in Europe. Some now refer to the Cote d’Azur as the “playground of the rich and famous”.

The Cote d’Azur sits on the Mediterranean Sea with the Alps in the background. The name comes from the beautiful azure color of the sea. The entire coastline can be travelled in 3 hours from St. Tropez to the Italian border. Some of the most glamorous beaches in the world are along this stretch of coastline. They tend to be narrow stretches of beach made up more of rock and pebbles than sand bordered by busy streets or highways.

• St. Tropez – The best beaches of St Tropez villas cover a 3 mile stretch that can be accessed easily by foot from town. Many people prefer the sandy expanses of beach farther from town called Les Salin and Plage de Pampelonne.

• St. Maxime – The beaches here are on a waterfront that is crammed with tall buildings, apartments, luxury villas and hotels. But it is considered to be a very affordable beach resort ideal for families.

• Cannes – Most of the beaches of Cannes belong to hotels and restaurants where visitors can rent lounges and umbrellas. There are also public beaches and facilities that rent sailboats. Find bargain hotels in Cannes and throughout France with Twenga.

• Antibes – This area boasts 48 beaches that include small inlets and rocky steeply sloped beaches located at the base of cliffs.

• Nice – These are probably the most well known and popular beaches of the Cote d’Azur. Some run along a public promenade and others are luxurious private beaches that offer restaurants and bars as well as equipment rental for a variety of water sports.

There are a number of wonderful reasons to visit the Cote d’Azur besides the beaches themselves.

Eastern Riviera sites:

Monte Carlo at night

• Monte Carlo in Monaco may be most famous for its casinos, but it also offers lush tropical gardens, the well known Formula One Monte Carlo Grand Prix, and the Monte Carlo Opera.

• The entire stretch of the Cote d’Azur is full of excellent art museums like the Musee Picasso in Antibes, the Fondation Maeght in St. Paul, and Musee Matisse in Nice.

Le Vieux Port

• Nice is known as the “Queen of the Riviera” and is well worth the visit to see its palaces, museums, mansions and extravagant hotels. A path along the sea called Sentier Tirepoil offers spectacular views.

Western Riviera sites:

• Moustiers St. Marie is an old village that sits at the base of a rocky cliff. A stream runs directly through the middle of the village, dividing it into two halves with a rocky canyon dotted with small waterfalls.

• The Verdon Gorge is a canyon that may the most beautiful one in all of Europe. Formed by River Verdon, it is 700 meters deep. The area is popular to those who like to hike and rock climb as well as kayak.

No matter your destinations in the Cote d’Azur or the time of year that you travel, you can count on the Mediterranean climate to be perfect for your visit. The summer days are hot and dry and the winters are quite mild.

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Liberty Department Store

Written by: Fiona Hilliard

If Holly Golightly ever found herself in the midst of the mean reds while travelling through London, she’d surely find solace in the hallowed hallways of Liberty and Harrods. Who needs breakfast at Tiffany’s, when you can devour floor upon floor of weird and wonderful shopping experiences at two of London’s most exclusive luxury department stores?

Sitting snugly on the corner of Regent Street, Liberty has been providing customers with cute self-styled prints and quality designer goods from its charming mock Tudor façade since 1875. Liberty wouldn’t be British if it wasn’t just a little bit eccentric. So, how’s this for quirky — the store’s unusual timber exterior was constructed in 1924 and comes courtesy of reclaimed wood from two ships, HMS Impregnable and HMS Hindustan.

Before you even set foot in the shop, you’ll notice the remarkable window displays — heck, you might even want to photograph them. There’s good reason too. Liberty employs a team of specially trained window dressers to ensure that the windows look more like surreal art installations than run-of-the-mill dummies in frocks. They’re certainly a talking point, as are the freshly cut flowers that greet you at the entrance. And not a sheet of cellophane wrap in sight!

Once you enter the store you’ll find the ground floor split into various rooms, giving you the feeling that you’re visiting the lobby of a cosy stately home rather than a sprawling department store. Liberty’s founder Arthur Lasenby Liberty deliberately planned the building to look this way, saying at the time of its construction that he wanted customers to feel as if they were walking around their own home. The fireplaces definitely add to the effect. Anyone who has visited will agree that the laid-back ambience is a good bit different to the heaving crowds of  Topshop, Oxford Circus…

And so to Harrods. Of course you can get between the two using the Tube stops at Oxford Circus and Knightsbridge, but it is altogether much cleaner and calmer if you travel there with London car hire. By renting a car you’ll be free to shop at your leisure and you won’t have to worry about dragging shopping bags up and down staircases.

Harrods, Knightsbridge is a department store that needs little introduction.  It is brash, decadent and over the top, but in the most wonderful way.

The department store, as we know it today grew from very humble beginnings. Charles Henry Harrod established the business in the rough and ready East End area of London in 1834 as a grocery wholesale shop. With profits on the up, he was able to move to swish Knightsbridge in 1849. The building that houses the store today wasn’t completed until 1905 but over the next few decades, the company made steady progress snapping up property throughout London until it was itself bought over by the House of Fraser in 1959. Harrods remained under their management until 1985 when Egyptian shipping tycoons, the Fayed brothers splashed out £615 million on the store and set about blinging it up in their own inimitable style.

Indeed, since taking over the store, the Fayed’s have been busy putting their own distinctive stamp on the building, perhaps most noticeably through lavish Egyptian décor. Marble floors and walls give the impression that you’re wandering through a jewel encrusted Egyptian temple, while a specially employed opera singer belting out elegant arias assures you that this is a shopping experience like no other.

Two memorials commemorate the tragic deaths of Diana Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed, Mohamed Al Fayed’s son. The first includes photographs of the couple above a pyramid shaped display case that contains a wine glass smudged with lipstick (said to be Diana’s from a Paris restaurant) and what appears to be an engagement ring, thought to have been purchased the day before they died. A second monument was constructed in 2005 close to the Egyptian escalator at door three. It is named “Innocent Victims” and is a bronze representation of the pair dancing on a beach. The jury is still out on whether the monuments are poignant or tacky.  Perhaps a little of both.

On a lighter note, anyone on the market for a new pet will find Chihuahua pups, rabbits and hamsters for sale upstairs in the pet department. Don’t forget to tog out your new canine companion in the latest designer gear from the nearby pet accessories department. See, Harrods has thought of everything — nothing is too excessive, eccentric or expensive.

Next time you’re in London, why not make the extra effort and go see what all the fuss is about for yourself? You’ll be glad you did. Check out TWENGA now for the best deals in hotels in London.

Fiona Hilliard usually writes about London car hire for award winning site ArgusCarHire.com.

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Thanks to co-founder Paul Iribarne, I received two complimentary audio tours, Buenos Aires – Palermo and Rome – Trastevere in late 2008. At first I wanted to wait listening to the tracks until I had visited these two neighbourhoods in person. But since I haven’t travelled to neither Argentina nor Italy yet (and don’t know when it will happen), I rather share this with you today.

Steven and Paul, two former college roommates, assembled a dream team of professional tour guides, historians, talented writers and actors, local musicians, award-winning sound engineers, and hip web designers to fulfil their vision. The result speaks for itself — high quality, fascinating MP3 tours available in multiple languages for people all over the world. Online, rental or CD.

Made for independent travellers who want be immersed in new places, MPTours aims to provide touring experiences that will transport you into the heart of a city and appeal to all five senses. You only need an MP3 player or an iPod (and preferably comfortable shoes). No unnecessary schedules, boring tour guides, or waiting for others. You set the pace and decide what, where and when. If you notice a place that isn’t included in the itinerary, just press pause and return whenever you feel like it.

Each MPTour cost $ 14.99. Apart from the MP3 files, you will receive a printable PDF map that highlights points of interest. To get  a better grasp of the city, make sure to read the CITY INFO section before taking a tour.

Buenos Aires – Palermo

One of legendary writer Jorge Luis Borges’ celebrated areas – designer stores, high-class restaurants, superb architecture and bohemian flavor have made Palermo one of the most eclectic and popular microcosms in Buenos Aires.

Flamenco dancer at a restaurant in Palermo, Buenos Aires © Hernan Herrero

I instantly feel a liking to Marina, the narrator of Buenos Aires – Palermo, who has lived in the neighbourhood since she was a little girl. She calls herself a “pioneer of the new Palermo” and combines travel tips with tales from her childhood (including where she had her first kiss at age 12 and an anecdote involving her grandparents). This mixture of personal stories and travel suggestions works very well, and the street sounds and relaxing background music further add to the quality of the tour. It consists of 12 tracks and shows you interesting aspects of Buenos Aires’ largest neighbourhood.

Other Buenos Aires tours include Recoleta and San Telmo.

Rome – Trastevere

Discover the neighborhood locals call the “real Rome,” medieval Trastevere, where the rich and powerful once built luxury villas on the Tiber, and where today’s savvy Romans now come to shop, to eat and to play.

Trastevere © Carola Priore

Nina, the narrator of Rome – Trastevere, talks a bit faster than Marina and concentrates more on the sights but the two tours offer the same focus on quality and totally make me want to visit Buenos Aires and Rome to follow the tours on location. I would especially like to admire Nina’s favourite view in Trastevere.

The full San Francisco tour of  every neighbourhood and landmark in the city also sounds appealing. And, whenever I finally travel to London, I look forward to experience the London audio tours of Brixton, King’s Road, Camden Town, Soho and Brick Lane. But for now, dinner and hopefully a good film with my housemates.

If you’d like to learn more about MPTours or purchase a tour, visit MP3 Audio Walking Tours of Buenos Aires, Rome, London and San Francisco.

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Andorra © Ana Fernandez

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Last year I read the book In the secret garden of Sweden, in which communications expert Colin Moon looks at everyday ‘normal’ things in Sweden from a different perspective.  While I don’t agree with all of his observations on us Swedes, I must say many of them were spot on.

Swedes always talk about the weather

We do. At least frequently. With such distinct seasons and at times unpredictable changes in weather, we have a lot of sub-topics to draw from.

Swedes don’t like to brag

I feel very uncomfortable bragging and I bet the majority of Swedes feel the same. We would much rather let our accomplishments speak for themselves. It’s considered tasteless to brag about your achievements or how financially successful you are.

Every Swedes mobile phone call starts with the obligatory question “Where are you?”

And if we don’t ask “where are you?”, we say “what are you doing?”. Basically the same because regardless of which question you ask, the reply you receive will often answer both questions.

In the summer, Swedes ignore dress-codes and walk around semi-naked

Pretty much true. Travel to Malmö, Båstad, Halmstad or any other city in southern Sweden during the summer and you will understand what Colin means.

Swedes will ask you about weekend plans as early as Wednesday afternoon

On Monday and Tuesday, we have the whole week in front of us. But on Wednesday, the weekend is basically here.

When a Swede says anything with the word ‘process’ on the end, you know that the whole procedure is going to take some time

Correct. The decision making process in Sweden takes time.

“Let me have some time to think about it. I’m not really sure. It depends. What I can do now is give you a definite maybe.” — a Swedish boss

If Swedes skipped their coffee breaks, they could retire five years earlier

A funny guesstimation. We do enjoy our coffee breaks. Very. Much.

Swedes like to be in time and on time

Nearly all of us value punctuality and dislikes those who show up late.

Swedish teenagers express a burning desire to be different by dressing exactly the same

I couldn’t help but laugh when I read this. Looking back, I remember the majority of my friends shopped in the same clothing stores and it was more a norm than a rarity that someone wore an identical skirt/top/sweater/dress as you.

Swedes are the world’s greatest individualists

For Swedes, independence is important. According to the World Values Survey by American sociology professor Ronald Inglehart, no other country is as individually oriented as Sweden. Family is important but we believe that relationships between people have to be based on equality. Real love can only be possible if one partner isn’t dependent on the other.

A typically Swedish person is bureaucratic, inflexible and indecisive

Yes. But, I must add, I am NOT a typically Swedish person.

Swedes will gladly talk about their aches and pains as many times as possible

Unfortunately I have found this to be true (and I was once one of them). Nowadays, I must be a rare exception.

Swedes are good and safe drivers

I couldn’t agree more.

Apart from these and other observations, Colin Moon shares misconceptions such as that all Swedish girls have blonde hair and blue eyes (far from true), different quotes on Swedes, and various facts about Sweden.

“Golf and sex are the only two things Swedes can enjoy without being any good at them.” — A Swedish golf-player

Some interesting facts about Sweden according to Colin Moon:

“At the time of the writing 276,131 were called Johansson — the most common family name in Sweden.”

I wouldn’t mind having a less ordinary name.

“Every year, evening papers print pages and pages with complete details of the income, tax bills and wealth status of the rich and famous.”

I have never been included on these lists.

“Swedes have a fair share of public holidays. In a good year they take as many days off in May and June as most Americans take in a year.”

And this we are incredibly grateful for.

“A well-known recipe book, Sju sorters kakor (Seven types of cake) is outsold only by the bible.”

I remember having read this book on several occasions. And I don’t refer to the bible.

Before wrapping up, I want to point out one of the observations I don’t agree with.

If a stranger smiles at a Swede in the street, he or she is either a) drunk b) insane c) American

I’s a funny quote but people do smile at each other more and more these days — without getting accused of being neither of the above.

Well written, excellently researched and repeatedly amusing, In the secret garden of Sweden offers an insight into Swedes’ habits and the Swedish culture.

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Tallinn © Maria Li

A wintry day in the capital of Estonia.

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View from Las Rosita towards the town of Caleta de Sebo © JM

The Canary Islands are the second most visited region in Spain. Second only to Catalonia in terms of popularity and comprising seven main islands which collectively attract over 9 million tourists a year.

There is however a little known eighth island in the archipelago,  La Graciosa, which can only be reached by a short ferry hop from neighbouring Lanzarote. It is thought to have been the real life setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel Treasure Island.

Visiting La Graciosa is much like stepping back in time. There are no roads, only sandy tracks. No cars, just a few 4×4 jeep taxis. And precious few other reminders of the outside world beyond. The local supermarket shelves are largely bereft of goods and there are five small restaurants servicing the community of 600 locals and a steady stream of intrepid day-trippers and in the know Spanish holidaymakers. So creating an underdeveloped and extremely relaxed environment that is reminiscent of southern Spain in the 1970s when tourism was first taking off there.

La Graciosa’s beaches are the islands biggest attractions and rightly so as spots such as Playa de las Conchas and Playa de la Cocina rival anything in the Canaries for beauty. They are often devoid of other people, especially outside of the main summer holiday months.

There’s an inviting, little beach right next to the ferry port but some locals advise against swimming here as it is located within the backwash of both the ferry and other diesel driven boats that service the island.

Better instead to head in the direction of Playa El Salado and Las Piconas which are just ten minutes away. Or keep walking a little further for the beaches at Playa Francesa and Playa de la Cocina.

But the daddy of them all is Playa de las Conchas. One of the most beautiful stretches of sand imaginable and with great views too out to the other tiny islets that comprise the rest of the Chinijo Archipelago. This beach is often deserted too — leaving those lucky enough to find themselves here to enjoy a real Robinson Crusoe experience.

Jeep taxis pick visitors up and drop them off at the beach of their choice throughout the day and return to pick them up at a pre-arranged time. They also offer forty-five minute tours of the island which feature some great views back to the imposing Famara massif range of cliffs on Lanzarote.

Alternatively it’s possible to hire mountain bikes back in Caleta del Sebo — although the dirt tracks that pass for roads on La Graciosa can make this a truly bone jarring experience.

There are a couple of pensiones and privately owned villas on the island for visitors seeking overnight accommodation. Such as Casa del Rio, a British owned property boasting spectacular views from a shady terrace across the Rio Straits back to Lanzarote. Available for short or long term lets. (Contact 0034 619 694 601 for bookings and more information.)

But the bulk of the La Graciosa’s visitors are Spanish — usually from the other Canary Islands that have long kept this little treasure of an island under their hats in order to preserve its tranquility intact.

Nick Ball is the editor of Lanzarote Guidebook where visitors can download a free guidebook and find out more about holidays in Lanzarote and La Graciosa.

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Written by: Benjamin Parker

Arguably, Paris is the most romantic city in the world, so what better place to have a honeymoon? Here’s a selection of tips for honeymooners in the City of Love:

1. Check out the Latin Quarter, particularly the St. Germain des Pres area, where philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre used to hang out. This area hasn’t changed much since the mid 20th century, and it’s a great place to grab a coffee, soak up the atmosphere, and watch the world go by. You’ll notice that all the seats outside a typical Paris cafe face outwards: Parisiens love to people-watch!

2. The Palace of Versailles has to be seen to be believed. On the outskirts of the city, this magnificent chateau was built on the instructions of King Louis XIV, known as the Sun King. Versailles was added to by each subsequent King Louis until the French Revolution (when the French got bored of the monarchy and had them executed). Besides the Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Versailles has magnificent grounds and is the perfect place to picnic.

3. The Pont Neuf bridge is a good place to cross the River Seine and take in the views of the city. “Pont Neuf” means “New Bridge”, but don’t let that put you off: it’s the oldest bridge in Paris. From here it’s only a five to ten minute walk to the Louvre Museum, where you can see the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Unfortunately you’ll have to see it through bullet-proof glass (the latest estimates put the value of the painting at well over half a billion dollars), but it’s awe-inspiring nevertheless.

4. If you’re looking for something to do at the end of the day, why not take a romantic boat tour on the Seine at sunset? There aren’t many better ways to see Paris’ sights than from a glass boat with a glass of wine in your hand. And if you want a good spot for dinner, try La Belle Epoque, a genuine Parisian cabaret with can-can girls and an orchestra. A candlelit dinner here is an experience you won’t forget.

5. Did you think we’d forgotten?  You can’t honeymoon in Paris without stopping by the breathtaking Eiffel Tower. Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but the view from the top is fantastic. The surrounding area is also worth exploring — the Place Contrescarpe is one of Paris’ most famous squares. Ernest Hemingway used to live just round the corner.

To enhance your experience in Paris, try to learn a few words and phrases in French and the Parisiens will appreciate your efforts. Au revoir!

Benjamin Parker is a writer for GroomPower.com, an advice website for grooms.  Visit the site for more information on planning a honeymoon and other jobs for the groom.

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Hundreds of years of golfing heritage, esteemed championship courses and some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes have made Scotland a pilgrimage for golfers all over the world. If you’ve chosen Scotland as your next golfing destination, the only thing left to do is pick the right golf course. To help you on your way, we have picked 10 of the best:

1. The Old Course, St Andrews

A Scottish institution, the prestigious Old Course at St Andrews is a must for all avid golfers to tick off their golfing list. Designed by Tom Morris, the venue has hosted an impressive 25 Open Championships as well as a number of esteemed events, and still maintains much of its 200-year-old natural layout.

2. Alisa Golf Course, Turnberry

This world class course was voted Golf Monthly’s No 1 and still remains to be Scotland’s, and arguably the UK’s, most popular golf course. One of its highlights is the 9th hole, widely considered one of the world’s all time greats. Measuring 454 yards from the championship tee, the ball shoots past the iconic lighthouse landmark before hitting the fairway then compromises another tricky shot onto the green.

3. Muirfield Golf Club

Muirfield is the only course to have played host to the Open, the Amateur, the Mid Amateur, the Ryder Cup, the Walker Cup and the Curtis Cup all under one roof — pretty impressive credentials we’re sure you’ll agree. It is also seeped in history, being home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, whose records date back to 1744 when the Club wrote the original 13 Rules of Golf for the first Silver Club competition.

4. Loch Lomond Golf Club

Loch Lomond’s 7,100 yard parkland course has been ranked in the ‘Top 100′ finest golf courses in the world by Golf Magazine. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, its popularity stems from its challenging fairways, where golfers must contend with streams, marshland areas and a host of natural hazards – not forgetting the majestic woodland surroundings.

5. Carnoustie Golf Course

For well over four centuries, golfer’s have flocked to the championship course of Carnoustie for its rugged coastline greens stretching east and north from the city of Dundee. Having hosted the Open Championship, it has gained a reputation as one of Britain’s finest and with a number of difficult fairways, a true test of golf for any avid player.

6. Gleneagles

The iconic and institutional Gleneagles venue houses three spectacular golf courses, each boasting Scotland’s trademark springy moorland turf and the dramatic backdrop of the Trossachs and Ben Vorlich peaks. With Michelin-star restaurants and luxurious hotel accommodation to relax in after a gruelling round, no golfer leaves disappointed. Simply unmissable!

7. Spey Valley, Aviemore

Surrounded by the rich purple heather and lofty peaks of the Cairngorms National Park, a game of golf at Spey Valley is a truly magical experience. Devised by esteemed golf architect Dave Thomas, the course is a test of experience and skill, particularly at 7,153 yards from the medal tees. Still considered one of Scotland’s hidden gems, you may want to get there quick before the word really gets out.

8. The Roxburghe

If you want to follow in the footsteps of such golfing greats as Sam Torrance and Nick Faldo, head to the Roxburghe. Another offering from the Dave Thomas legacy, this beautiful golf course has already ranked Top 100 in the UK and fifth best inland golf course in Scotland, despite being relatively young. Those looking for a challenge will not be disappointed, the 7,000 long course and tricky deep bunkers are a real hit with those inclined to hit the ball long and high.

9. Crail Golfing Society

Founded in February 1786, the Crail Golfing Society is one of the world’s oldest golf clubs, today boasting two links golf courses — the Craighead Links and the Balcomie Links. Balcomie tends to be considered a better layout, with spectacular views of the ocean from every tee. Don’t leave without checking out the fearsome “Hell’s Hole”, representing a challenging 459-yard par four across the shoreline.

10. Cardrona Golf Course

Yet another offspring from the legendary Dave Thomas, the relatively new golf course at Cardrona boasts both a stunning yet testing layout, beautifully in keeping with the dramatic natural landscapes which surround. With a fantastic hotel and practice facilities alongside it, Cardrona makes an excellent golfing break, and the tricky par-73 track is also now a regular stop on the PGA Europro Tour.

For further reading, check out this online travel guide Scotland.

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I’ve lived in Gothenburg for nearly three weeks now (time flies!). Only one week to go until I leave this student apartment. I haven’t yet decided where I will live in December. We’ll see.

Anyhow, I didn’t know Gothenburg gets this much rain. I saw a blue sky first after twelve days of living here. But the rainy, cloudy weather doesn’t seem to affect people’s moods. I have never lived in a city where people smile, laugh and joke as much as they do in Gothenburg.

Pictured above, a blurry view of Avenyn seen from the highest floor of the Göteborg Art Museum, where I spent part of today.

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Wouldn’t you like to own one of these? I sure do!

For more information about one of the smartest personal modes of transport, visit Brompton Bicycle.

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Last month we visited Mjellby Art Museum, the museum of the Halmstad Group, to watch the Fall 2009 exhibition Swedish surrealism.

After a fika from Café Blå in Mjellby Art Museum’s beautiful private garden, we went inside to view the paintings — all available as postcards for 10 SEK in the reception area.

Since visitors weren’t allowed to photograph the paintings I shot other things instead. Above, a work station for kids.

TV room, where visitors could watch a film about world famous surrealist Salvador Dalí’s painting Wilhelm Tells gåta.

All kids were encouraged to paint moustache on Mona Lisa.

The result!

Of the pantings I especially enjoyed Erik Olsons’ Drömmar och syner vid havet (Månlandningen). Translated Dreams and visions by the sea, the colorful painting with the sea and the sky in the background features a bikini-clad woman without arms and legs, a life buoy, sea gulls, a piano, a man about to climb a stage, a globe, a left eye, a chair with human legs, a gun, the backside of a man, and different furniture.

Ödesnatt (Waldemar Lorentzon, 1939) is built on the double meaning of things and opens up for the viewers own interpretations. As the cloudy sky can also represent water, you will either see a desert or a coast landscape in Halland. The window in the sky opens a passage to a parallel universe.

Stellan Mörner’s Drömland (Dreamland) belongs to a set of paintings he did during the break of war. Filled with objects that reflect the artist’s person, his work is a performance where the objects are the actors. Mörner later worked with theatre scenographies on Dramaten in Stockholm and renewed the Swedish theatre scene with his surrealist image vision.

These three paintings stood out the most to me.

You can easily travel to Mjellby Art Museum by car (8 minutes from Halmstad city). Follow the directions towards “Steninge” and about 7 km outside Halmstad city you’ll find the signs “Mjällby” and “Konstmuseum”. Entrance costs 60 SEK (about $8,6) for adults, 40 SEK for seniors and students, and nothing for those under 20. (I said I was under 20 to get free entry; good for my wallet, although not for my travel karma!)

For more information about the museum, visit Mjellby art museum.

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Sir David Attenscarf gives an insight into human behaviour in Swedish Lapland in a way that only the much loved naturalist can.

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