EFVblog

Welcome to EFVblog

EFVblog is a new blog from Durant and Cheryl Imboden's Europe for Visitors, a trip-planning site that's read by 3 to 4 million travelers from 200+ countries every year. In this blog, we'll publish news from European tourist offices and other sources, point you to new or updated articles on our site, and post random items that are interesting, useful, or fun.

Bambú: A lesbian resort hotel in Andalucia

ABOVE:  Bambú is down the road from Iznate, the Anadalucian "white village" in the photo. INSET BELOW: Sue and Cath, Bambú's owners, take a break by the pool.

We recently received an e-mail from Catherine Potter, a British expat who--with her partner Susanne--has opened Bambú, a small self-catering resort hotel for lesbians in an Andalucian village about 30 minutes from Malagá. With Cath's permission, we're sharing her story for the benefit of women readers who may be interested in an alternative to the usual package-holiday locales along Spain's southern coast:

"After years of participating wholeheartedly in the rat-race, raising children, seeing them off to university and contemplating another 20 odd years of ploughing the same 9-5 furrow, the opportunity to escape seemed too good to miss.

"Susanne and I had embarked on the adventure of acquiring a holiday villa in Spain some 7 years earlier (and it truly was an adventure...but that’s another story!). Our villa was a place to enjoy holidays with the kids but never a home. But we always loved Spain. Not the costas, where the Brits and other northern Europeans enjoy their annual two weeks in the cultural no-go-zone of a package holiday. But the real Spain. And yet just as close to the airport and beaches as any of the package destinations.

"Iznate is a charming quintessentially Andalucian white village. The locals expect us to learn Spanish and not the reverse. It’s not as sophisticated as Britain, that is if our rat-racey lives can truly be called sophisticated. Their main occupation is farming--traditionally raisins, used to make a divine brew called Malaga Dulce. Increasingly the land is being turned over to avocados and mangos--perhaps things are getting a little more sophisticated!--but it’s still farming all the same. 

"The seaside towns around here are a million miles away from Marbella or Torremolinos. They don't appear in any package-holiday brochure. These places are where the Spanish come on holiday. And boy, do they know how to enjoy themselves! It all seems to revolve around eating!

"Andalucia doesn’t just have amazing weather (all year round). It is also blessed with stunning scenery--mountain range after mountain range, tailing off into the sea. It is drop dead beautiful. And then there is the culture, the history.

"This place was seriously important in the history of Europe, Christianity, Islam and even Judaism. Living here, being able to imbibe the history of Andalucia is intoxicating. Andalucia's four great cities are right up there in the ranks of all the great cities of Europe. Seville’s Alcazar and Giralda are stunning. Cordoba was once the largest city in Europe and a hotbed for scholarship, noted for its tolerance across all religious groups. Granada, the last stand of the Moors, is home to the most celebrated Muslim palace in the world. And Malaga City has its share of delights, with its Roman Ampitheatre, Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, not to mention its more recent claim to fame as the birthplace of Picasso.

"So we got the bug--Andalucia became a home from home--and when the kids flew the nest that was it. But how to make a living in Spain when one’s lingo is far from fluent? You've got to create your own way in life. Enter Bambú!

"We fell in love with the place as soon as we saw it. The moment we returned to the UK our house went up for sale. Bambú is perfectly proportioned and situated for a small hotel. We now live at what was our holiday home in Iznate and commute the 10-minute drive to Bambú on the outskirts of the next village along, Benamocarra.

"Prior to bringing up the children we regularly used to take our holidays in lesbian establishments--in Key West (yes, we loved Pearl's or Rainbow House as it was then) and at many places throughout the UK. It engenders such a sense of freedom and relaxation that a mainstream hotel never can, however 'gay-friendly' it might be.  

"We had a vision for our lesbian oasis and in pretty much every respect Bambú fitted the bill. Prior to its new life as a lesbian centre for relaxation and sun-worshipping, Bambú was a large but simple finca--indeed, apparently some years ago it doubled as the hostelry where all the local farmers stopped by for lunch.  

"We knew we needed seclusion--if we were to create a lesbian oasis, it had to be away from prying eyes. And Bambú’s nearest neighbour is ½ km away. But don’t get me wrong--this is not some place for debauchery. It is a respectable establishment where our guests can feel fully at ease to be themselves--nothing more! 

"We knew the location and its views had to be sublime--and with 360-degree views from the Montes de Malaga to the Sierra Tejeda  to the coast at Torre del Mar, the panorama from Bambú is simply breathtaking.  

"Having always enjoyed self-catering holidays ourselves, we wanted to offer not just bedrooms but fully self-contained suites for our guests. The finca that was to become Bambú was perfect for such a transformation. We managed to create seven generous double or twin suites from reorganising the interior of the finca--each with its own kitchen, bathroom, front door and outside seating area. 

"The exterior of Bambú was perfect too, with spacious terraces around much of the finca. There was plenty of room for a large pool, communal areas, a central bar and barbecue, and many private corners. And so, after many months of a stressful and occasionally nightmarish  renovation project, Bambú was born...exactly as we had envisaged.  

"We have always been fairly exacting and demanding customers when it has come to the holidays we have taken.We expect style, quality, good housekeeping, accessibility and a great location. And we have made the same demands of ourselves in developing and running Bambú.

"One day we’ll write a novel about the whole experience...but right now we just want to share it with you. Calling all lesbians, from near and far, come and enjoy this little paradise we have created.We have only just opened, and 2010 is Bambú's inaugural year. Come help us christen Bambú. One day we hope to be as famous as Pearl's!  Isn’t it about time we Europeans started to learn to enjoy ourselves as much as our American sisters? Exclusively lesbian hotels are the future--places where we can truly relax and be ourselves. Come share it with us."

For more information about Bambú, visit Sue and Cath's Web site at www.bambu-resort.com.

Photos: Bambú Resort.

Climb a "via ferrata" in the Dolomites

ABOVE: A climber in the Dolomites enjoys a spectacular view.

Dolomite Mountains, an adventure-travel company based in the province of Belluno, Italy, is offering a unique mountaineering experience for anyone in good shape who has a head for heights: Clients can climb a "via ferrata," or "iron road," in the rugged Dolomites of Northern Italy.

Here's more information, courtesy of Dolomite Mountains:

 

"A via ferrata is a mountain route which is equipped with fixed cables, ladders, and bridges. The use of these allows otherwise isolated routes to be joined to create longer routes which are accessible to people with a wide range of climbing abilities. It is a different way of enjoying the sheer magnificence of the awesome Dolomite environment--travelers will be stopped in their tracks by amazing views and mountain situations. 

"Many via ferratas were originally built to aid movements of alpine military units during the First World War, and now (although they also exist in Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland) they represent one of the major attractions in the Dolomites. They are, in effect, a range of protected routes, comprised of fixed cables, ladders and even gorge-spanning bridges, which aid ascent to places normally reserved for expert rock climbers. Routes are graded according to difficulty.

"Via ferrata climbing is suitable for anyone not afraid of heights who wants to experience the Dolomites in a different way. Cables and ladders aid even the non-expert climbers to do beautiful via ferratas. There are many ferratas of different difficulties so everyone can do what suits best. 

"Probably the most unusual via ferrata in the eastern part of the Dolomites is VF Lagazuoi Tunnels. Fighting for control of Mount Lagazuoi in World War I, Austrian and Italian troops built a series of tunnels through the mountains. The aim of each side was to tunnel close to the enemy and detonate explosives to destroy their fortifications. Some of the tunnels have been restored, with a via ferrata following the route of one of these. It is now possible to descend into the mountain by following the VF Lagazuoi Tunnels route."

What to expect during your climb:

"'We supply simple mountaineering equipment such as a harness, helmet, some rope and a few karabiners,' says Agustina Lagos Marmol, founder of Dolomite Mountains. 'Your guide will teach you how to use the equipment and give you hints on climbing techniques in complete security. Trips are adapted to clients' abilities, and our local guides will show not only the beauty of the mountains but the history of the area though the via ferrata as they were built during WWI.'"

About climbing in the Dolomites:

"Around 1850, English mountaineers began to appear in the Ladin valleys. Their journeys took them several days on foot and their destinations were the imposing rock faces and peaks of the Dolomites. From 1870 onwards, train connections and large hotels attracted the nobility who, without exerting themselves too much, could restore themselves with the pure mountain air and the alpenglow. 

"The inhabitants of the Dolomite valleys found themselves at the service of the guests in various ways: as hotel personnel, as mountain guides, and in other roles. Some of them soon started their own businesses and, around 1900, began to teach new winter sports to their guests.

"After 1945, tourism became the most important business sector in the Dolomites. Today, the Dolomites are famous for skiing in the winter months and mountain climbing, daily excursions, climbing and Base Jumping, as well as paragliding and hang gliding in summer and late spring/early autumn. Free climbing has been a tradition in the Dolomites since 1887, when 17-year-old Georg Winkler soloed the first ascent of the pinnacle Die Vajoletturme."

To learn more about Dolomite Mountains and the unique adventures they offer, visit http://dolomitemountains.com. (If you'd prefer to reach Dolomite Mountains by telephone, you'll find Italian and North American phone numbers on the Web site's "Contact" page.)

Photos: Dolomite Mountains.

Suffolk Walking Festival caters to all ages

ABOVE: A guided walk at last year's South and Heart of Suffolk Walking Festival.

Each year, the South and Heart of Suffolk Walking Festival offers more than two dozen guided walks for Suffolk residents and tourists of all ages. This year's festival runs from Saturday, 15 May through Sunday, 6 June. Here's what to expect, according to Pat Edgar of PR Matters:

The 2010 South and Heart of Suffolk Walking Festival will feature around 30 guided walks in a variety of locations to suit different tastes and fitness levels. A different kind of walking festival, it will feature some outings accompanied by a poet and storyteller plus photographic and twilight nature walks.

The region, with its softly undulating landscapes, pretty villages and magnificent cultural heritage, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the fresh air while exploring its countryside on foot.

Walks range from gentle 2-3 mile country rambles and medieval meanders through ancient villages and towns to longer and more energetic outings of up to 12 miles through Suffolk’s beautiful countryside. Many include lunch and afternoon tea stops with a chance to sample some fresh local produce, while for others walkers are asked to bring their own picnic.

Special interest outings include Wildlife Discovery on 15th May, a circular walk taking in the habitats at Grove Farm, near Thurston where conservation and farming can be seen working side by side, and an early morning walk on 22nd May around Arger Fen to watch and hear the dawn wildlife and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the designation of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This ends with breakfast at the idyllic Assington Mill.

Walkers will be joined by poet and performer Dean Park on four of the routes who will recite poems and stories along the way; there will also be a photographic walk on 22nd May starting out from the Beyond the Image Gallery at Thornham Magna when everyone is encouraged to bring a camera, and a chance to visit the sites associated with the famous murder of Maria Marten in the Red Barn at Polstead on 23rd May.  

There are also several walks with activities to attract a younger audience such as Mister Stevenson’s Light Railway on Bank holiday Monday, 31st May, which follows the route of the ‘Middy’ to discover how to interpret landscape clues, and the Scavenger Hunt at Thornham Walks – a gentle afternoon stroll through the woods hunting for a given list of items.

The South and Heart of Suffolk Walking Festival is organised by Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Councils and sponsored by the Discover Suffolk Project, which aims to encourage local residents and visitors to get out and about in the scenic Suffolk countryside.

Pre-booking is essential for all walks by calling the Tourist Information Centre at either Lavenham on 01787 248207 or Mid Suffolk on 01449 676800; they would also be able to advise on places to stay. Many of the walks are free while for others the prices range from £2 up to £20 per person (latter includes lunch); dogs are allowed on some walks but must be kept on a lead at all times. For further information or to download a copy of the Walking Festival programme, visit: www.southandheartofsuffolk.org.uk. 

Meanderer: a family-owned barge in France

ABOVE: Meanderer on a canal of the Upper Loire. INSET BELOW: Meanderer in a lock, and the newly redecorated lounge.

Independently-owned hotel barges are thin on the ground (or maybe we should say "the canals") these days, so we were intrigued recently when we heard about the Hotel-Barge Meanderer, a former Belgian cargo vessel that offers luxury cruises in the Upper Loire region of France.

Meanderer was converted into an upscale passenger barge in 1992, and its current proprietors--George and Susan Kovalick--have owned the vessel since 2007. They've upgraded the vessel with such features as flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi Internet access; other amenities include CD and DVD players in each cabin, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and a bicycle for every guest.

The 125-foot (38m) barge has three cabins, with five crew members to serve a maximum of six passengers. Voyages begin every Sunday from April though October, and the barge is available for whole-boat charters as well as conventional cruises. For more information, visit Meanderer's Web site at meandererfrenchcanalcruises.com.

Bond/Bourne film-location tour will visit 003 countries

ABOVE: Piz Gloria, the villain's headquarters in On His Majesty's Secret Service, is featured in the "Bond, Bourne and Beyond" tour. 

Theme Party People and Globus tours are collaborating on an 11-day tour of James Bond and other film locations in France, Italy, and Switzerland this summer.

The tour begins in August 21 in Venice, with visits to locations that were used in From Russia with Love, Moonraker, and Casino Royale. Next comes a drive to Cortina d'Amppezzo (For Your Eyes Only), followed by Lake Como (Casino Royale, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Oceans 12) 

From Italy, the tour moves on to the Verzasca Dam in Lorcarno, Switzerland (Goldeneye), the Furka Pass (Goldfinger), and the alpine region around Interlaken, including dinner at the Piz Gloria mountaintop restaurant that served as Blofeld's lair in On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

After a drive to Geneva, tour members board the TGV for a high-speed train trip to the French Alps around Chamonix (The World is not Enough) and on to Paris (A View to Kill, Ronin, Charade). During the three-night Paris stay, the tour will include visits to movie locations within the city and at French chateaux in the surrounding countryside.

The tour price is US $3,995 (air not included). For a detailed itinerary and other information, see the Bond Bourne and Beyond: EURO2010 page at www.themepartypeople.com. 

Photo: Swissimage.ch.