Migingo Island – The Nile Perch

Nile perch are voracious predators and that makes them ideal for sport fishing.  It means they will attack artificial lures, and also that they can grow to six feet long, making for dramatic trophy photographs.  The fish has had some dramatic effects on Lake Victoria’s ecosystem.  Out of vast Lake Victoria, why choose Migingo Island?  Because Migingo is in waters disputed between Kenya and Uganda—although Kenya seems to be winning. I think that could add some excitement to your fishing holiday!

Pulau Seribu, Indonesia – Milkfish

Pulau Seribu means Thousand Island.  It’s a nice resort area near a major city (Jakarta) with gorgeous reefs perfect for diving and a haven for fish.  The milkfish is a flitting white specter, renowned as one of the most difficult fish to catch in the world. Its diet of plankton and algae makes it nigh impossible to tempt with a hook.  Catch one and you get respect from those in the know.  Bread is suggested as bait.

Northern Maine – Salmon, Trout, Bass, etc.

The lakes and rivers of northern Maine in North America are a great place for a fishing holiday. Besides the breathtaking views, you’ll also get the chance to catch Trout, Northern Pike and other cold water fish.

The Allagash river is a popular place to fish with plenty of combined canoe and fishing excursions available. You’ll be able to fish in multiple destinations while your guide takes care of getting you to the best spots.

Gibraltar – Gilt-head Bream

To my mouth, gilt-head bream are the tastiest fish in the world.  They’re meaty and have thick bones convenient for removal.  One sushi website describes the taste as “like a neat and clean daughter”. Lost in translation perhaps?!

The fish are found throughout the Mediterranean and Europe’s Atlantic coast.  The straits between the continents of Africa and Gibraltar is an excellent place for catching the Gilt-head Bream. You’ll also find a number of other “big game” fish here.

Cuba – Marlin

Maybe a trite choice, but it’s a staple for any fisherman’s bucket list.  Read Ernest Hemingway’s ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ about Santiago’s struggle with a marlin and the sad, poetic results.  The marlin makes for the most sporting fishing and the classic mantle decoration if you go to the trouble to stuff it and drag it back home!

If you’re an American, commercial flights to Cuba are somewhat restricted.  You may find it easier to fly private with Private Jets Charter.

Patagonia—Rainbow Trout

It’s the generally acknowledged favorite for fly-fishers.  Standing around in rubber pants and flicking your tackle back and forth is a special kind of addiction.  Aficionados spend a lifetime dreaming of taking the trip down to Rio Grande in Tierra del Fuego.

Junín de los Andes is considered one of the best places in Argentina for trout fishing. There’s a great range of accommodation here from back-to-nature camping expeditions to 5 star lodges. Personally the wilderness expeditions are the best as you’ll maximise your fishing time and have the beautiful rivers pretty much to yourself.

Day Two… Lunch guests at Lord Tennyson’s

You will have probably twigged by now that our weekend on the IOW was characterised by bad weather and this finally beat us on our second (and last) day. The cycling tour that morning was cancelled due to high winds but thankfully, we still managed to squeeze in a bit of sightseeing before our last supper. En route to lunch at Farringford’s (former home of Poet Laureate Lord Tennyson) we stopped off at The Needles lookout. Armed with brollies and waterproofs, we tip toed across the puddles and up to the view-point overseeing Alum Bay. The Needles is possibly the IOW’s most iconic landmark and consists of a series of rocky pinnacles jutting out of the water and topped off by a pretty lighthouse warning sailors of the dangers lurking beneath the waves.

Having taken our somewhat cloudy Needles photos, we then continued our journey to Farringford’s, pulling into the exquisite grounds which were lovingly crafted by Lord Tennyson himself – author of those famous lines “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”. The grounds are overlooked by the striking Neo-Gothic building lived in by Tennyson and his family during the 1800’s and we were lucky enough to be given a sneak preview of the restoration works being done there by the new owner Martin.

The Restaurant

Aside from the beautiful and historic surroundings, we were blown away by Farringford’s newly opened restaurant. The chef, Justin Brown, is Michellin starred and this really did show in the taste and quality of the food!

We were also blown away by what good value for money Farringford’s offers – three courses for just £19.95!  I had a beautiful Twice Baked Blue Cheese Souffle with Beetroot and Walnut salad to start, followed by Roast Lamb, Veg and Mint Sauce and a desert of Vanilla Crème Brule &; Lemon Shortcakes; while Rich opted for Roast Tomato Soup, the Lamb and an amazing (from the sound of the loud “Mmmmm”s) Chocolate Brioche Bread & Butter Pudding with Bailey’s Anglaise.

It’s fantastic that Farringford’s makes fine dining accessible to all whilst giving visitors a chance to indulge themselves in the memories of Tennyson’s work. Once again, a visit here is thoroughly recommended, so if you’re heading to the Isle of Wight any time soon, make sure this place is on your list.

Feeling fully satisfied and privileged to have been inside Tennyson’s home (which won’t even be open to the public for another 18 months) we made our way to the Red Funnel Terminal to catch the ferry home.

Amazing Isle of Wight

We were really sad to leave the Isle of Wight as we felt that we had only just been given a taster of what it has to offer. However, in the short time that we were there we had already decided that this wasn’t the last that this island had seen of us. Our mountain bike adventure and rugged IOW countryside had inspired us and the visit to Farringford’s reignited our interest in local history and culture. To us, all of this has proven that if you’re open minded, enthusiastic and willing, even the dreadful English weather can’t dampen your sense of adventure.

Thanks to..

A big thank you to Red Funnel Ferries for arranging this weekend on the Isle Of Wight. Visit their website for cheap ferries to the island.

With a heritage of many cultures going back to ancient times and set in the wine country of Andalusia, Jerez de la Frontera gets more than 3,000 hours of sunshine every year; no wonder it is the centre of Spain’s ‘wine’ production area.

Sherry

Look out for tabancos – old sherry bars – in the city or go for an organised tour of these old-style bars where the wine – or sherry – is served directly from the barrels. Sherry is produced using the white palomino grape; the process is to carefully age the wine in large, spacious wine cellars which are built to keep constant temperatures and humidity levels, both important to the aging process. Visit the wine cellars for tastings to try the many different types from the light, very dry Fino to the darker Amontillado and the even darker and richer Oloroso.

Flamenco

Birthplace of Flamenco and home of the Andalusian Centre of Flamenco, Jerez hosts the biggest and best Festival of Flamenco annually in the spring.  The city comes alive with flamenco guitars, song and dance and it’s a party every night. In the autumn, Jerez hosts another festival to celebrate harvesting the grapes.  Flamenco is of course included. Besides the festivals you’ll be able to see and hear flamenco whenever you visit … and take lessons in guitar or dancing if that floats your boat.

Horses

Incredible grazing lands and the climate come together to produce the magnificent horses bred in the area. The Andalusian or Pure Spanish Horse has barely changed since the 15th century.  These horses were originally used for driving and riding.  They are still very popular for classic dressage and other equestrian events around the world. Catch the Horse Fair in Jerez in May every year to see these wonderful horses in parades, dressage, polo and other competitive events.

Motor Cycle Grand Prix

This Grand Prix brings crowds of Motor Cycle fans from around the world to watch; competitors consider it the biggest test of the World Championships.  Jerez is ‘Motor Mecca’!

Richard and I have never really been interested in travelling the UK and have generally always gone abroad to satisfy our wanderlust but since returning from a year-long stint overseas we have developed a new-found passion for discovering new places and experiences, even if that means sticking closer to home. Armed with this renewed enthusiasm and after being offered the opportunity to visit a part of the UK we had never been to before, we strapped on our backpacks yet again and headed to the Isle of Wight with Red Funnel Ferries.

Greece

Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in the Mediterranean and is packed with some extraordinary beaches. There is over 100 miles of beach along its coast however, if you want a secluded spot then take a trip to one of the Cyclades Islands to find somewhere a bit more peaceful.

Ios in particular is renowned for having great beaches which are large enough for you to find a spot that isn’t overrun. Manganari, in the south-east, is considered the best by many.

The hottest months are June through to September with the average high hitting the high 20’s.

Singapore

Being home to the “Sentosa” Resort, where there are 3 beaches called the “Palawan” Beach, “Siloso” Beach and “Tanjong” beach, makes this country a very special and worthy place to go if you want to get a brilliant tan.

Staying in a comfortable apartment in Singapore situated near the beach is a perfect way to spend your time here.

Miami

When the place “Miami” is mentioned, what do you immediately think of? Sun, Sea and Fun? If you want a cracking tan this summer, then get over to South Beach in Miami, Florida.

It is usually dominated by the younger generation playing volleyball and having parties. However this does not stop other age groups from enjoying this beach, as it is located in downtown Miami.

Southern California

There are plenty of great places to bask in the sun in this part of the USA. Los Angeles and San Diego have some amazing beaches that you should definitely go to if you want to top up your tan. LA has some beaches, such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach, which are perfect for chilling on or going skateboarding/rollerblading next to it.

If you really like this part of the world, then why not check out Wimdu accommodation for your next trip away?

Hawaii

When you visit Hawaii, you will be sure not to ever forget this place. Waikiki Beach is a very popular destination, if you visit the capital of Hawaii – Honolulu, as it is a quick walk down to the beach from the main city high street.

The sand is beautiful and soft and the water is clear and blue, making this a perfect holiday destination for you to top up your tan!

Each week our contributor Mike Corey will be bringing you some of the best entries so far. To kick things off check out Mike’s first video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KFmkDlwxYE

You can check out other entries here. Vote on your favourite video and don’t forget to enter the competition yourself. We look forward to featuring your entry on this site.

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The Running of the Bulls, Tomatina, and Las Fallas are pretty well-known amongst backpackers and tourists alike, but there is more to Spain than these three celebrations (although they are a good place to start). Party animals, find some cheap flights to Spain and get your itinerary at the ready. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Drink Moonshine in the Mountains

Leave Cava Week and the Jerez Sherry Festival to the uninspired: true adventurers know that the best booze laden festivities are to be found at the Fiesta Del Orujo in Cantabria. Locals and visitors alike head into the mountains to sample the local moonshine, aguardiente: firewater that will leave your throat burning and your eyes bleary. It may remind you of the chilli-eating contest from an old episode of The Simpsons, with local distillers setting up stalls on the main street and distilling aguardiente on site to compete for the title of “Great Orujero”. Samples abound, and there are plenty of local nibbles to stop you from getting too tired and emotional.

Get Soaked in Rioja

Forget Saint Patrick, San Pedro *really* knows how to party. The Haro Wine Battle is held every 29th June on San Pedro’s Day, in the La Rioja region of Spain. The day starts with a huge procession of young and old, all dressed in white and carrying huge receptacles of wine. Leave your best white shirt (and your vintage vino) at home for this one, as after the morning mass takes place the fun begins with a giant water fight: except instead of water, it’s wine being sloshed around. Hopefully you look good in purple, as your whites will be a dashing shade of fuchsia once the fun is over.

Wrestle Some Horses

Bulls aren’t the only beast of burden that get a raw deal in Spain. Each year in Galicia the ancient festival of Rapa das Bestas takes place. Villagers head into the hills of Sabucedo to round-up wild horses and bring them back to town, where they are wrestled and ridden by locals. Before you get upset and report the fiesta to PETA, no horses are actually harmed during this time. It’s simply a chance for the beasts to get a haircut, and to be marked for easier identification in the wild. Still, it could be less barbaric.

Hello, I’m Johnny Knoxville, and this is the Baby Jump

Forget Australia’s tuna tossing contest: this really takes the biscuit in the weird festival stakes. Mothers bring their newborns out to the town square of Castrillo de Murcia where they are laid on the ground in swaddling clothes. Then a man dressed as the devil jumps over them. Why? To cleanse them of evil, of course! The baby jumping festival has been in action since the 17th Century and is part of the Corpus Christi celebrations. Justify yourself by announcing that you’re absorbing culture and history, not taking a perverse pleasure in watching a grown man jumping over infants.

Watch out for the Brotherhood of Santísimo Sacramento de Minerva; during the festival they dress up and run around town whipping unsuspecting bystanders. Great fun if you know what’s going on, but if you’re new in town it may come as a bit of a shock!

Exploring Toledo

Though Toledo is indescribably beautiful, I have to admit that it’s more for people who love history. Once the capital of Spain, Toledo is very close to the present-day capital, so  it is possible to visit both and compare them. With all respect to Madrid I would say that, to me, Toledo is more beautiful both as a city and as a capital, than Madrid.

Every country I have been to so far has become dear to me for one reason or another.  In  the case of Toledo it seems I have thousands of reasons to love it; the beauty, the view, the nature, people, the buildings, the overall atmosphere… Perhaps I am exaggerating, but that’s how I feel about this city.

Alcazar Fortress

Alcazar Fortress – Built in Roman times Alcazar is the first square fortress featuring four towers on the corners. The fortress is located on a hill and over the centuries it has served different purposes. It used to be Carlos V’s royal residence. Later, in 1643, it was turned into a state prison. Presently, it is the Army Museum This museum is for those who are interested in various types of arms and all army and military related history, objects and documents.

It’s open to public form Monday to Saturday 10 am to 7 pm, and on Sundays 10 am to 3 am. Admission is free for students or the disabled and for everyone else is it around 5 Euros.

Cathedral de Toledo

Beyond a shadow of doubt, Spain is a country where churches, monasteries and cathedrals are a must see for every traveler. They not only help you get a closer look at this particular country, but also make you feel excited and you realise that the human imagination has no boundaries.

This temple represents the best example of Spanish Gothic art. The full name of the church is “The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo.” Its story goes back many years and at times part of it has been a Muslim mosque. Only in the 19th century it was turned into a Christian church. Eighty-eight columns support the roof. Cathedral Toledo bears historical and architectural importance, and is one of the most popular sites in Toledo. It also includes artwork by el Greco, one of my most favorite Renaissance artists.

Puente de San Martin

With a fortified tower at each end and five arches the Bridge of San Martin was built in the 14th century. It was built to replace an earlier bridge and is situated to the west of Toledo. As you cross the bridge, there will be at least one person asking if you know the bridge’s legend or not. I am sure they must tell that legend more than ten times a day and never tire of it!

The legend says that the engineer responsible for the bridge construction one day discovers that he has made a wrong calculation, which can cause not only loss of reputation, but also cost him his life. So he doesn’t tell anyone about that and the construction goes on. Realizing the danger and also not being able to keep it in secret any more he decides to share his worries with his wife. On a stormy night his wife goes to the bridge burns down in the part where the miscalculations had been made. The damage was thought to be done by the storm and so the engineer reconsiders his calculations, rebuilds the bridge correctly and up to this day the bridge stands firmly.

During a visit to Armenia, we were crossing a bridge, and our tour guide said that those who were crossing the bridge for the first time should make a wish being sure it would come true. I can’t remember what wish I made then or if it came true or not, but while crossing San Martin Bridge, I wished that my boyfriend would propose to me. I don’t know if it was the power of the bridge, but it came true and in a few days we are to be married. You are all invited!

To round up I would like to say that Toledo may not be the best Spanish city but if, like me, you love historical and architectural cities which also teach you something then Toledo deserves to be included in your travel list.

Going Home

We made the border in excellent time, less than 24 hours! Federico, my father-in-law, helped smooth the way with the officials. Getting visas was very easy, but it took a bit of time. We crossed the border and stayed in a small hotel in Matamoros. My Uncle Roger, a truck driver, had given us flawless directions all the way to Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Highway 180 will take you all the way. From Merida, we tried to call Milca, my husband’s cousin, from a gas station pay phone to get the house keys and drove the last thirty minutes to the village of Seye. We slept in the truck for an hour or so, and then the keys were delivered. We were home.

The villagers were certainly surprised to see Federico. He hadn’t visited his birthplace in years. They were astonished to see two white females as his traveling companions! Most Americans do not seek out small villages to visit. We were only there because my husband had taken me there to see where he had grown up with his Mama Grande (his name for his granny), and I had fallen in love with the idea of owning that same land. Fortunately Milca had built a nice house there. Unfortunately there was no stove or fridge. Problem number one, food! Federico tore himself away from his friends long enough to go down the street to the little store called Tienda Pauli. Even though I knew I shouldn’t drink the tap water, I made myself a cup of cold coffee. (At least I didn’t get worms from it!)

Strangers in a Strange Land

Seye is primarily a Mayan village, so most people there are bilingual, Spanish and Mayan. Ysabela went straight across the street to the little park while I got our things settled in the house. People walked slowly in the street trying to look casual while casting sidelong glances in the uncurtained windows. After doing what I could inside, I went out to see if Ysabela needed anything. I watched her at first. I peered into the park and realized she was surrounded by children. They wanted to touch her hair and try to communicate; there was a lot of laughter. I finally got her in the house about dark. She brought plenty of questions with her, so I told her how to say some basic phrases. I am proud to report that she was completely bilingual within three months. It took us longer than that to get established, but the hard work was worth it. I plan to go back soon, but I will not be driving. My husband insists it is much too dangerous to do again.

Yangon

Once called Rangoon by the British, Yangon is most people’s first experience of Myanmar. While the airport is modern and clean, the city is a mixture of historic colonial buildings, grand hotels and dusty streets. The taxis are an experience in themselves, many of them are older than their owners, these cars have definitely been around the block a few times and within a few years will disappear thanks to a car exchange program the government is starting. The drivers are always friendly and can take you to all the best sights. On everyone’s list is the Shwedagon Temple which is well worth a visit especially at sunset. I would recommend going on a Friday as monks come from miles around to chat with tourists about Myanmar and practice their English. A real education while you wander the truly stunning temple complex.

Mandalay

A short flight away or a 17 hour bumpy train journey from Yangon, is the city of Mandalay. Wildly considered the centre of Myanmar’s culture, arts and crafts, there’s so much to see in Myanmar’s second largest city. The Mahagandhayan Monastery is the place to go around 10:30am to witness the monks convening for an early lunch. Lining up in their colourful burgundy robes to collect their meal, there can be up to 1,500 monks eating together. The grounds of the Monastery are an interesting place to walk and witness traditional Burmese life.

Inwa Temples

The temples of Inwa (or Ava), South of Mandalay is a great excursion away from the busy city streets and into rural Myanmar. A short boat journey across a river tributary brings you to a land of horse and carts, all brightly painted and shining in the sun. These aren’t just for the tourists but a real means of transportation in Inwa. The peaceful surroundings of this temple complex only add to the beauty of the temples and stupas that fill the horizon and glisten in gold and white.

Back in the city you’ll find the world’s largest book at the Kuthodaw Pagoda. While it may not be made of paper and bound together, it still deserves the name. 729 buildings make up the Library, each containing a 5 inch thick marble monolith engraved with Buddhist scripture. If  this were presented as a book it would be over 27 feet high and weigh over 90 tonnes. Well worth visiting in late afternoon is the 730th building, a large gold leaf covered stupa in the centre of the complex. Then, before sun sets, be sure to visit Mandalay Hill and enjoy the view from the temple at the top. An unbroken view across Mandalay as the deep red sun drops like a stone.

Bagan

When it comes to ancient temples Angkor Wat in Cambodia may be the most famous but Bagan in Myanmar must be the most abundant. In the 11th to 13th centuries over 10,000 temples, pagodas and stupas were built. Over 2,200 remain and cover this flat landscape so much that it seems you’re never more than a 100 metres from one. An increasing number of hotels and restaurants in this region are built amongst this deluge of ancient Buddhist architecture.

As some temples crumble after years of weathering, others are restored to their former glory. Many of the hotels here have guided tours and you can also hire bicycles for the day. I’d highly recommend a visit to the Ananda temple and the Shwesandaw Pagoda is a great place to watch the sun set. You can also view the temple filled landscape at sunrise by hot-air-balloon. Bagan is likely to be the highlight to any Myanmar holiday.

Inle Lake

Situated East of Bagan is the beautiful expanse of water called Inle Lake. You can fly to the nearby airport at Heho and get a noisy boat from the quiet town of Nyaung Shwe. There are a number of hotels in the town but for the real Inle Lake experience you can stay on one of a few hotels on the Lake. A collection of wooden buildings on stilts that give you a unique experience on this idyllic lake. You’ll also be closer to local life all conducted in buildings on stilts. Everything from homes and restaurants, to shops, factories and temples can be found on the lake and its surrounding wetlands. Tours of the lake are a must and the local guides know their way around the villages.

Highlights include the heritage building where you can meet some real Burmese cats, the floating gardens which seem to go on forever and watching boatmen without engines rowing their single oar with one foot.

There are also some great places for lunch where you can sit and watch the villagers go about their daily lives, a truly unique experience.

Things you should know about Myanmar

Money

While Myanmar does have its own currency call Kyat (pronounced chyat) tourists often have to pay for things in US Dollars. As of 2012 there are no ATMs in Myanmar that accept foreign cards so you’ll need to bring all the US dollars you’ll need for your trip with you. Not only that but you’ll need to make sure your US dollars are in pristine condition, crease and blemish free, otherwise they won’t accept them. Current (unofficial) exchange rate for Kyat is around 750 to 1 US dollar.

Getting around

There are many ways to travel in Burma, flying is definitely the most comfortable. There is an extensive railway network but the trains have long since seen better days. Buses too can be an experience but with the right tour company you can find decent modern buses, although the journeys can be long. I can recommend a river cruise down the Ayeyarwady river as a great way to see the country in style.

Internet access

While you’ll see internet cafes here and there, the internet really hasn’t reached much of Myanmar. If you’re looking to send emails or catch up with friends on Facebook, expect slow and patchy connections.

Friendly people

The Buddhist people of Myanmar believe in a “warmly welcome” to foreigners and English is taught in schools too. Expect people to be curious of you and don’t worry, most aren’t trying to sell you anything. You’ll learn so much about local customs and history by your random conversations with strangers. The monks especially like to welcome you to their country and can teach you all about the temples and pagodas.

Thanks to Selective Asia

I had an amazing time in Myanmar, it was a real travel experience in a country filled with stunning sights and friendly people.  I’d like to thank our partners Selective Asia for sponsoring this trip. I highly recommend visiting Myanmar soon  as tourism will undoubtably grow in the coming years.