Style Blog

The wine available in the supermarkets here in Spain ranges from 99 cents to 4 euros and above. Generally, I go for a Spanish-produced red in the 1,30 - 2,00 euro bracket, such as the vino tinto Tempranillo pictured.

Now, I can just hear the cries of derision from Brits claiming, "It must be rubbish at that price!” - something I have heard many times before. And therein lies a deep naivety, since the Spanish people do not accept junk. Generally, they have refined pallets, do not overindulge, and certainly know about quality in the food and drink department.

The quality of my ‘budget’ wine is usually far superior to the processed screw-topped equivalents in British supermarkets, off-licences, and certainly wine bars and pubs.

Something to ponder when you're next spending £6, £11, and £20 on your bottle of wine in the UK.

On a final note, please opt for real cork stoppers, since cork production is a sustainable industry and the cork oak forests provide vital habitat for globally endangered species.

This travel short is a great idea for those of you with an adventurous tooth. For those of you that need a bit more from your hard won 2 week break.

Week 1 : Learn to windsurf

Week 2 : Learn to Scuba Dive

The where is Bonaire

This photograph is evidence that you can ski in the morning and chill out on the beach in the afternoon here in Andalucía.  The snow capped peaks in the background are part of the Sierra Nevada range.  One of the southernmost in Europe, the ski resort is near the beautiful city of Granada and offers some great conditions, often in the sunshine.

In winter and spring, the windsurfers here in Almerimar sail in the bay whilst looking up at the snow covered mountains above.  It is a great setting, and mostly undiscovered by travellers who dismiss it as a wind-blown desert.

So,that's enough talk, where's my board and sail?

@jsmithwriter

Vacation time should be fun and I do not take anything less. Having said this, I had to traverse a few spots to really discover my favorite vacation locations and I'm glad I did. The amazing thing is that I did not have to travel very far to find some of the most heartwarming retreat locations. Although it is hard to narrow my favorite spots to three places, I have compiled a decent list of some of the most breathtaking places that appealed most to me and the following is a highlight.

The Island of Cyprus

Never before had I witnessed such exotic beauty of virgin lands like I did in Cyprus. As a mysterious spot located right above Egypt and at the south tip of Turkey, it is a dynamic unspoiled haven that gives you a dramatic Mediteranean experience like no other. Apart from the long warm beaches, the inviting historic appeal will have you digging into the rich culture. One unique thing you can do in spring is picking of wild flowers. As a lover of flowers, this was my climax as I got to pick and adore wild orchids that spoke to my senses. Those who enjoy hiking, skiing, snorkeling and turtle watching are also guaranteed maximum fun. I'm artistic as well as a history junky and therefore I could not resist a visit to Paphos which plays host to the famed Villa of Theseus. It is a mosaic marvel that will usher you into the corridors of Greek mythology.

Dublin

The one and perhaps most important reason why I fell in love with Dublin is the rewarding bus tour. Among the exciting stops that impressed me most are the Nationally Gallery and Museum, Trinity College, St Patrick's Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse. The first time I took a bus here was amazing because the tour guide made my stay homely. His explanations of the rich history and culture of the area was demystified in a practical manner. For example, the Guinness Storehouse left an impression not forgetting the drink from the Gravity Bar at the house. There is no question that the beer enjoys a large following around the globe. It is therefore important to taste your own drink here to really appreciate it. After this delightful tasting session, it wasn't quite as easy to find our hotel as it was when we booked it online!

The French Riviera

After assessing the list of my favorite vacation spots, I had to include the French Riviera on my list. With gorgeous crystal blue waters and soothing stretches of beaches, this was an ideal location for me to unwind and enjoy magical nature at its best. I'm not surprised that this location draws tones of people each year from around the globe. Apart from spoiling myself at the beach I also loved hiking at the marvelous Marseille town. The charming and calm surroundings were just what I needed in my tour. The view from the old harbor was a climax as I enjoyed the majestic Notre Dame De La Garde.

We all grow up with a set of ambitions in mind but only a small minority of us will actually fulfil them in our life time. There is no time like the present to strive towards your goals and achieve them by finding the motivation to do so. Whether you are a student, employee or stuck in limbo, there has never been a better time to reach for your dreams. Here are a few tips on helping yourself get closer to fulfilling your ambitions.

The Bucket List

If you haven’t already, make a list of the things you want to achieve and give yourself a deadline to accomplish them. This way you will have a timeframe and will be able to get the ball rolling with the added pressure. Having an organised list will give you the chance to schedule your goals and achieve them one by one. Of course, make sure your goals and time scales are realistic so you can actually accomplish it.

Part of the Team