Monday, March 31, 2014

Sunderland's National Glass Centre

Several weeks ago, Gina and I boarded a train to Newcastle for a travel bloggers conference.
We always manage to have a blast when we go off on an adventure together.

The conference was terrific and offered some great information and networking.
Newcastle was really fun and interesting.  I'd love to go back and explore more in depth.
The highlight of the weekend was a post-conference visit to the National Glass Centre in Sunderdland.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

Located on the North Shore of River Wear, the Centre is a part of the University of Sunderland.  This is a place where artists, teachers, students and the community come together to share the beauty of contemporary glass.  A combination of studio, exhibit, museum and event space, there is plenty to do and see.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

There's an really interesting exhibit that covers the history of glass blowing and in particular, the history of glass works in Sunderland.  There are also plenty of beautiful examples of contemporary glass.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

The space is beautiful and open with lots of windows to let in the river views.
When you visit, you should plan to stay for a meal in their Brasserie.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

This was one of the best Sunday Roasts I've had in England!  That Yorkshire Pudding is the size of my head.
Add in an old-fashioned Lemonade and you have the perfect meal.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

The Centre has an exhibition program that offers first class glass and ceramic presentations.

The Oliver Goldsmith Collection is running through May 4th.
Here is the description from the National Glass Centre website...

"Think 20th Century icons. Grace Kelly. Colin Firth. Michael Caine in his signature black  spectacles. Audrey Hepburn in the big white glasses that framed her elfin face. Iconic style makers – Givenchy, Dior and Vidal Sassoon. Think cult films of the fifties & sixties. In the second half of last century, when it came to eyewear, Oliver Goldsmith was synonymous with stars and style."

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

"Featuring spectacle designs which enthralled a generation and photographs of the famous faces that wore them, this exhibition charts the progression of one of the most successful British spectacle design companies of the mid-twentieth century."

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

Princess Diana was one of their most famous clients.
The exhibition includes a line that was designed exclusively for the iconic figure.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

Oliver Goldsmith is a family business that was founded in London in 1926.
They are responsible for taking glasses from a medical accessory to a fashion accessory.
Those fabulous sunglasses worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's?
An Oliver Goldsmith creation.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

Gina was channeling her inner diva in this whimsical pair.
 Be sure to visit the gift shop.  It's full of fun stuff and beautiful collectibles.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

If you live close by, check out their Have a Go! page. 
Wouldn't you love to make one of these pretty flower paperweights?
If I lived in Sunderland, I'd be there every chance I got.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

The building even have a glass ceiling that you can walk on.
It's made of glass panes that are over two inches thick.

National Glass Centre Sunderland UK

Speaking of "having a go", I can't wait to show you what else we did while we were at the
National Glass Centre.


How would you spend your day at the great place?



TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE | BLOGLOVIN



  *As a participant in Traverse 14 and in partnership with NewcastleGateshead Initiative,
I was a guest of National Glass Centre.   All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.


Friday, March 28, 2014

Jamaa el Fna by day - Marrakesh

Yesterday's post about our experience of Marrakesh was really hard to publish.
But this blog is my travel scrapbook and my experiences so I just have to be honest.

Today, I'll tell you a little more about why I felt we had a negative experience of the city.

First, I don't think we saw enough of it.  It's probably not that we didn't enjoy the city,
but that we didn't like the main square of Marrakesh where we spent a majority of our time.

Second, while our hotel was nice, I think our experience would have been much different
had we stayed in a Riad, a traditional Moroccan house.

The fact that it was the end of an 11 day tour and we were pretty exhausted also likely played a part.


Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

The main square Jamaa el Fna by day is certainly fascinating with a lot to see and photograph.
But, it didn't feel like a very friendly place.  I knew that I had to be careful with the photos.
I tried to be very respectful and discreet.  I intended to pay any of the performers that I photographed.

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

It's overwhelming but a great place to people watch.  It's surrounded by restaurants.
So we spent a bit of time up on a balcony just watching everything that was happening below.

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

I wanted to take some photos so walked up to these men.  I made eye contact with one and tapped my camera to let them know that I'd be taking photographs. I took this one photo before the man rushed right up to me demanding payment.  I gave him a few coins and he immediately started yelling for more. I just walked away with him still yelling.   After being fussed at several times even when I did pay, I just changed to the zoom lens and gave the camera to Matt.  This was way too stressful. I told him to get some shots if he could.

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

I completely agree with what Matt said yesterday about not supporting the animal handlers.
We gave them all a very wide berth as we walked around the square.   We often saw then walk up behind unsuspecting people to perch an animal on a shoulder.   If you're planning a trip to Morocco please take a moment to read more about this topic at IPPL's Advice for Travelers to Marrakech.  

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

 At one point, we were on a guided tour by a local who stopped at this table of teeth.
The gentleman at the table was smiling at the group and several took photographs with no problem.
As the group was walking away, I took a photo and he started right up with the screaming.
I apologized and put the camera away.  But,check it out... teeth!  I have no idea what they're for.

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

I was dying to get a henna tattoo while we were in Morocco.  I had been holding out the entire trip for Marrakesh.  That was where I wanted to get my tattoo. I had pulled my hand away from many eager henna ladies throughout my trip.  From a bit of research I knew about how much to expect to pay and to avoid the "black" henna tattoos.

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

There are dozens of women in the square offering tattoos, so I selected one and sat down to negotiate.  She grabbed my hand started doing the tattoo and said 350 (£26).  I pulled my hand away and said "100" (£8).  She started fussing, grabbed my hand and wiped it off.  The lady sitting next to her started fussing back at her and said to me "150" (£11) so I agreed.  She did a lovely job and even sprinkled on some glitter.  It took her all of 8 minutes and I paid her 200 Dirham (£15).

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

The paste starts to dry out and eventually crumbles off to leave the tattoo.
My hand started to itch so I brushed most of it off early which is why the tattoo is more orange than brown.

Jamaa el Fna - The Main Square of Marrakesh, Morocco

It lasted for a week or two and was a nice reminder our our time in Morocco. Both the good and the bad.

I didn't much enjoy our time at Jamaa el Fna.  It was big and crowded.
Intense and loud.  We repeatedly  got the very aggressive sell.  We got some really harsh looks.
I got yelled at more than once.  Even if they weren't yelling in anger they were yelling at us to buy something.

There also seemed to be an an underlying dislike for us as tourists.
Often, that dislike wasn't masked at all but very blatant.  I got the distinct impression that
they weren't happy that we were there but as long as we were they were going to get
as much of our money as possible.

I understand that people need to make a living.  I understand that tourists often exhibit some pretty boorish behaviour. But, this just felt different and uncomfortable.  I didn't feel this way at all in any of the other places we visited in Morocco.

Obviously, not every encounter in Marrakesh left me feeling that way.
I know plenty of people that absolutely love Marrakesh and Jamaa el Fna.
So I promise that any future post of Marrakesh will only include those positive experiences.

What are your feelings about Jamaa el Fna?
If you had a better experience than us, feel free to leave your thoughts and links. 


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Ben Fogle's Great Adventures Launch

"Darling, I'm going out tonight.
The dashing and famous action-adventure explorer, Ben Fogle,
has invited me over for an authentic Italian Dinner.
I believe there will be candlelight and wine, too.  You don't mind, do you?"

 I was recently invited by Celebrity Cruises to an authentic Italian cooking experience
hosted by Ben Fogle to launch his new Great Adventures series of shore excursions.

Let's see... Ben Fogle, Italian dinner, Wine and Cruising Talk?
Not a chance I'm turning this down.

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

The venue was London's Food at 52 Cookery School.  It's wonderful.
I felt like I was going over to a friend's house for a fashionable dinner party.

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

We were warmly welcomed by the Celebrity Cruises team and introduced to Ben.
Over a glass of wine, he told us about his new series of shore excursions.
Ben is famous for his adventurous and immersive travel style.
Celebrity Cruises has partnered with him to develop a series of unique and exclusive excursions.
 Ben Fogle's Great Adventures include a Norwegian Salmon Snorkeling Safari,
a Croatian Adventure and a Sicilian Gastronomic Tour.

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

Snorkeling with Salmon?  That sounds pretty interesting.  
Soon it was time to head downstairs to the kitchen for our Italian Cooking lesson.

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

We all gathered around a massive wooden table with ingredients and cooking utensils set out before us.
Don't mind the camera crew.  It's time to cook!
I'm wondering about the prudence of giving me a sharp knife AND a glass of wine.

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

Our instructor guided Ben and the rest of us step-by-step through three recipes.
Food at 52 was nice enough to share their recipes.  Just click on the link if you want to try them.
They are all yummy!

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

I've never done a cooking class like this before, but I'm completely hooked.
It was so much fun!  Everyone was relaxed and chatting over wine.
There was some fresh bread on the table.  We each got to chop and get our hands on the food.

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

The kitchen is adorable.  I want it in my house.  I don't really like to cook,
but if I had this kitchen, I would want to be creating in it all of the time.
Not to mention I got to wear a snazzy denim apron and tuck a white towel at my waist like a pro.

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

We went back upstairs to chat over more wine while everything cooked.
I had a great chat with Ben about cruising and traveling.  He's very friendly and down to earth.
Soon the dinner bell rang and it was time to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
We gathered once again around that fabulous big table and dined by candlelight.
Of course, everything was delicious!  It was made by our very own hands.

Ben Fogle and Celebrity Cruises at Food @ 52 in London

It was such a great night!  I'm so glad I said yes to this invite.
I still can't believe my little blog gives me these amazing opportunities.


You know that we love to cruise!  And shore excursions are a big part of this.
Do you book with the ship?  Do you book with an outside tour group? Or do you just go off on your own?
 I love that Celebrity Cruises is offering something new and different.
Here's a little more about Ben Fogle's Great Adventures.




Your time on shore can make or break your cruise experience.  There's a lot to consider.
Shore excursions will be the topic of my next Cruising 101 with Selena Series so stay tuned.


Have you ever taken an Italian cooking class?  Ever snorkeled with salmon?



TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE | BLOGLOVIN

  *This was a press event hosted by Celebrity Cruises.
 All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.