Mont Blanc (French), also known as Monte Blanco (Italian), meaning ‘White Mountain’, is the third most visited natural wonder on the world. It is home to some of the most spectacular winter scenery in the world. It is also home of one of the most popular winter festivals: The Winter Sessions.
The Winter Sessions was established in 2004 and is a combination of freestyle ski and snowboard competitions mixed with amazing, heart pumping concerts, night club gigs and 3000 capacity concerts. This awesome event takes place in April and the next event is scheduled for 22 – 24 April 2011.
Getting there is a priority for any snow sport enthusiast and checking one of the best Nixon watches you have owned, you will see that time for preparations for this event is quickly running out.
The preparations are extensive. Just like any other trip that you plan on taking, there are a number of arrangements that have to be made. The first is: Who’s going to take care of the dog/cat? In winter this is especially a good question as animals are particularly vulnerable. Along with that: Who’s going to look after the house? Another pertinent question, as holiday season is burglar season. Once again you check your favourite of all your Nixon watches to determine whether the house-sitter is late.
Once the domestic arrangements are taken care of, you can look at arranging your trip to Mont Blanc. Travelling from the UK you don’t need a visa, as it falls within the European Union. How to get there is a completely different story. Will it be by bus, plane or train? You check your Nixon watch and decide that the scenery can wait for another day. You’ll take the plane and get all the scenery you want from Mont Blanc itself.
The next arrangement is to pack your ski’s or snowboard because there will be plenty of opportunity to show off your skill and adventurous spirit. Be prepared for thrilling downhill races, death defying stunts and many more breathtaking activities. Pack in your skiing clothes and don’t forget to pack enough warm clothes for when you’re standing around in the snow as a spectator, watching other snow enthusiasts to show off their talents.
Pack in your party clothes because there will also be non-stop entertainment, music, concerts and, of course, dancing. The entertainment continues into the night with boutique club gigs and live concerts.
When all is said and done, you will consult your Nixon and the time will have arrived for you to catch the taxi to the airport. Get ready for the Mont Blanc high!
Discovering Historical Cyprus
Cyprus is an ancient country, settled since prehistoric times, and with a long and stormy history. Almost every civilisation in the Mediterranean has had an influence on the island and left its lasting mark. No holiday to Cyprus, therefore, would be complete without paying tribute to some of its historical sites and soaking up some ancient culture. And there can be no better way to do this than in the comfort of your own transport, through car hire in Cyprus. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, so a car is really a necessity if you want to see as much of it as possible.
Starting with the national capital, Nicosia (local name: Lefkosia, meaning white city), you can trace the old Venetian walls and visit the various ethnological and Byzantine museums, including the Ledra Museum and Observatory. You should certainly visit the restored eighteenth century House of Hadigeorgakis Kornesios (or the House of the Dragonman) which now houses a museum.
Drive west from Nicosia and within the hour you will reach the spectacular Troodos Mountain range dotted with Byzantine monasteries and churches and little old mountain villages. In the summer, the pine-scented woodland offers a welcome respite from the heat, while in winter it offers various winter sports and skiing. You really must take in the Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia, one of the earliest human settlements on the entire island, before heading south to Limassol to take in Ancient Curium and Kolossi Castle, dating from the second century and the thirteenth century respectively.
The village of Episkopi, close by, houses a museum and this incredible archaeological site is one of the major tourist attractions of Cyprus. You can then follow the coastal road to beautiful Paphos to visit the tombs of the kings which are carved from solid rock, and see the lovely Roman mosaics in the ruins of the Roman houses near Paphos harbour.
Another short drive of about 40 kilometres will take you to the Akamas Penisula and the baths of Aphrodite, the irresistible goddess of love, beauty and sexuality, where according to mythology, she used to bathe before Zeus had her married off to place her out of the reach of love-sick admirers.
You can spend as little or as long as you like visiting the wonders of Cyprus if you have the freedom of car hire. Cyprus is rich in ancient history and legend and has far more for you to discover than this short guide can possibly offer.
