It began as a relaxing bolthole for Hollywood stars and haven for the wealthy seeking clean, clear air, plenty of outdoor dining by night and endless golf. And it still is, this pampered and relaxed resort of six widely-spaced, low-rise communities, a two-hour drive from Los Angeles Airport. It rarely rains, yet underground water makes the desert bloom…. Continue reading
Browsing Category Travel
Take the train to the Spa of kings
The first direct rail services will soon be running between London and Germany, putting such cities as Aachen closer to the capital than Newcastle. The writer took a (not yet through) train to our nearest German city, once known as the Spa of kings, to check out some glorious treasure, very hot running water, fine dining and a famous… Continue reading →
Sea and sun-powered music on Croatia’s crinkly coastline
The headings on my list of recommendations include traditional toy-making, a sea and sun-powered music and light show, ancient Greek fields, Roman marvels galore and stays in lighthouses on remote islands. Then there is the 1000 miles of crinkly coastline lined with rocky coves and pine-fringed beaches. Glory restored One US web site recently… Continue reading →
Star's choice for easy living, out in the desert
There’s something missing in Palm Springs, and at first it’s hard to pin it down. Wailing police sirens? Didn’t hear one. Garish lights flooding the desert night? Not there: the community dims the illumination so nearby Mt Palomar can better see the stars. Long lines of well-known coffee shops and fast food outlets? Search in… Continue reading →
Pint sized county offers a magnum of a visit
The ospreys are back on Rutland Water, home to the first of these magnificent fishing birds to breed in England for 150 years. 2010 was the most successful breeding year since the birds returned in 1994, and the team caring for them have high hopes for 2011. They observe them from their arrival from… Continue reading →
Doctor Who where? It's probably Cardiff
“Blink and you’re dead. Don’t turn your back. Don’t look away. And don’t blink. Good Luck.” Keeping that cheerful advice from David Tennant in mind, I’m ready to eyeball a strong candidate for the scariest character in the whole 48 years of Doctor Who. The statues outside one of the Cardiff University buildings, were some… Continue reading →