Florida's Fort Myers is a little slice of paradise just waiting to be discovered
The deadly tropical cyclone ripped through the region's spectacular beaches and islands, leaving millions without power and forcing inhabitants to take refuge on their roofs.
Hurricane Ian destroyed thousands of standing structures and collapsed the Sanibel Causeway, entrapping those left on the islands for days.
But the determined inhabitants of this unique region rebuilt their communities and brought the destination back to its former glory.
On a recent trip to this tropical paradise on the Gulf of Mexico (or America, depending on who you ask), we experienced this fighting spirit in our encounters with the local businesspeople.
One such local stalwart is Cal Bruno, who runs Bruno's of Brooklyn, an Italian restaurant on First Street in downtown Fort Myers, with his wife Genevieve. Their first restaurant around the corner was badly affected by Hurricane Ian, but they rebuilt the business at their current location.
A delightful aspect of Bruno's is the TV monitor in the upstairs dining area, which shows a live stream from the kitchen. Diners can watch Cal and his chefs work away on their exciting Sicilian dishes.
Cal, who is on a mission to bring the authentic tastes of Sicily to Florida, explained: 'We are going on a trip to Italy soon to source the perfect type of pasta for our restaurant here in Fort Myers.'
Our next stop was Swamp Cat Brew Company, run by Chris Gutierrez and his wife.
By his own admission, armed forces veteran Chris is the rarest of breeds: a born and bred Floridian.
As we sampled some of the refreshing beers at his pub, he showed us his impressive brewing equipment and explained the process.
'I started out by home brewing when I was stationed in San Diego. Then I moved back home to Florida to start this business,' said Chris.
Next day, we got a windswept view of Fort Myers during a boat tour along the impressive Caloosahatchee River. Our guide Renee Shelly, owner of Off the Leash Charters, explained that the river takes its name from the Calusa, a Native American tribe who inhabited the area.
Back on dry land, we visited the Arcade Theatre, where Thomas Edison watched movies with his pals Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone.
After leaving our luxurious rooms at The Luminary Hotel, we headed south along the Sanibel Causeway to Sanibel Island.
As we departed Fort Myers, we passed the winter estates of Edison (Seminole Lodge) and Ford (The Mangoes). According to our driver, Robert, these major attractions have been miraculously left undamaged by countless hurricanes.
On the way to our next hotel, Sundial Beach Resort, we stopped at Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant for breakfast and visited the nearby Sanibel Lighthouse.
We weren't allowed to climb the lighthouse, but the surrounding beach and park still afforded us some great views of the causeway waterways. Brian, one of the owners of Wickies, explained the restaurant was named after the people who used to light the wicks of the lighthouse in the old days.
To avoid the inevitable sunstroke, we boarded our air-conditioned mini-bus and headed north to Captiva. When it came time for the Adventure Sea Kayak Buck Key Tour, our group was excited to finally see some manatees.
I watched nervously as each of my companions diligently got into their kayaks and hoped nobody would make me do the same. From a safe distance, I bravely watched as they paddled off toward a hidden bayou.
Then I made my way to the nearby 'Tween Waters Island Resort, where I ordered a virgin pina colada and soaked in the swimming pool for two hours.
When reunited with the group, they reported they had a great time in the kayaks, but all they saw of the manatees was a rump. Later, when asked what their favourite part of the trip was, each of them said it was the kayaks.
After lunch at Doc Ford's Rum Bar, we headed for Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, where the star exhibit is a giant Pacific octopus.
We visited the Living Gallery of Aquarians and the Great Hall of Shells, but the highlight for me was the trough full of shellfish.
We were invited to wash our hands and touch the tiny creatures. The museum also had a media room where visitors could watch videos of shell experts talking about – you guessed it – shells. As we left, we were each allowed to pick and take away our own seashell from a bowl.
Next day, we boarded a Captiva Cruises vessel at McCarthy's Marina and embarked on the Cabbage Key Cruise. To make up for the lack of manatees the previous day, we were treated to a dazzling display of acrobatics along the side of the ship by a pair of dolphins.
'Make as much noise as you can,' the captain advised on the loudspeaker, 'and they'll keep showing off for you'.
When we landed at Cabbage Key pier, we headed for a quirky restaurant that inspired singer Jimmy Buffet to write Cheeseburger In Paradise.
I ordered the cheeseburger and can report it was one of the best I've ever had.
Our host Ray Sarracino explained the restaurant was once owned Mary Roberts Rinehart, a mystery novelist who first coined the phrase 'The butler did it'.
The other oddity of the Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant is the collection of signed dollar bills taped to the walls and ceiling.
Ray told us the tradition started when fisherman signed their names on dollar bills and stuck them on the wall so they could come back and drink when they were broke. According to Ray, John F Kennedy, Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Carter have also added dollar bills.
Upon our return to Captiva, we strolled along Andy Rosse Lane and enjoyed a cool dessert at Boop's Ice Cream Parlor and Cafe.
While enjoying a refreshing mint-flavoured milkshake, I found myself momentarily delighted about a recent law in the US reversing the ban on plastic straws. Environmental concerns aside, I'd forgotten the sheer joy of using a straw that does not disintegrate after the first drink.
That night, during dinner at Old Captiva House, part of the aforementioned 'Tween Waters Island Resort, our host Tony Lapi regaled us with stories from his 50 years at Sanibel-Captiva Beach Resorts.
'I came here when I was 26 and we survived Irma in 2017, Michael in 2018, Lorenzo in 2019 and Ian in 2022,' he said.
Sanibel Island and Captiva bore the brunt of Hurricane Ian, he said, but the community survived it and rebuilt.
But Tony and the rest of the community want the world to know this awe-inspiring destination is now bigger and better than ever.
Home to Over 35,000 Acres of Protected Land
Thanks to the Lee County Conservation 20/20 programme, Fort Myers offers travellers access to more than 35,000 acres of untouched preserves, making it a haven for eco-conscious explorers and one of Florida's standout destinations for sustainable, nature-led adventures.
Sanibel's Shell Museum – A One-of-a-Kind US Experience
Sanibel Island is home to the only museum in the US solely dedicated to shells and the marine creatures that inhabit them. This offbeat gem blends science and art, offering travellers a uniquely immersive look at coastal life not found anywhere else in the country.
Visitors will also explore a new art exhibition launched this year, showcasing stunning works that celebrate the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, guests can observe the mesmerising on-site octopus and get hands-on at the museum's two large interactive touch pools, all under the professional guidance of marine life experts.
Cape Coral's Canal Network
With more miles of canals than Venice in Italy, Cape Coral is quickly becoming a trending 'destination dupe' for waterway lovers, minus the European crowds.
This hidden gem is perfect for those seeking the charm of a water-bound escape, but with a laid-back, relaxed vibe.
Whether exploring canals by boat, kayaking through peaceful waterways, or simply soaking in the serene views, Cape Coral offers an unparalleled experience – with some incredible chances to spot wildlife, including manatees.
One of the Sunniest Cities in the US
Averaging 271 days of sunshine annually, Fort Myers is a year-round destination, especially appealing to travellers looking to escape Ireland's grey skies.
Whether lounging on pristine beaches, exploring vibrant neighbourhoods, or taking to the waters, Fort Myers offers the perfect sunny retreat.
Home to the Largest Undeveloped Mangroves Ecosystem in the US
Part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the US, J.N. 'Ding' Darling offers an immersive eco-experience for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and sustainability-focused travellers.
Spanning over 7,000 acres, it's considered one of the top bird-watching spots in the world.
Join a naturalist on a scenic journey along Wildlife Drive, where expert guidance can help you spot roseate spoonbills, ibis, and many others from among 245 different bird species, along with dozens of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians hidden in plain sight.
HOW TO GET THERE: Travellers can fly directly from London to Tampa with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Other airlines offer flights from Dublin to Tampa via various US airports. Some might consider this the best option because of the US pre-clearance facility at Dublin Airport. Neither Gatwick nor Heathrow offers this facility. On arrival at Tampa, it's a two-and-a-half hour drive to Fort Myers.
WHERE TO STAY: The Luminary - bookable at www.luminaryhotel.com/. Price per night: starting rate is $195 (approximately €166)
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa - bookable at sundialresort.com/. Price per night: starting rate is $250 (approximately €213)
FOR MORE: Check out the Visit Fort Myers website.
The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
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Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Trieste: Italy's Mediterranean crossroads of history, food and natural beauty
Summiting a medieval hillscape overlooking Trieste city centre, St Justus Cathedral is a composite of clashing centuries mashed together, like Italy itself, to present as a coherent whole. It was originally two separate churches dating back to the sixth century, only the 14th century witnessed their merger into this unlikeliest of cathedral outfits. Listen carefully and you can almost hear each side of the cathedral bicker over who has the apse ass and who has the altar of this venerable two-man horse costume. Clocking less than 200,000 inhabitants in this most liveable of Italian cities, Trieste's wider geography is a curiosity. The city is stretched along a thin, ill-fitting hook of land cuddling the top corner of the Adriatic in the fanciful hope of insulating itself from the Bora gusts, which can belch 150km/h katabatic winds from the northeast. While there is the somewhat tiresome and overplayed Irish connection with James Joyce and Trieste, it was the celebrated Welsh travel writer Jan Morris who put this loveable pup on the map for me. The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Monrupino is a hidden gem in the Karst region Her Trieste and the Meaning of Nowhere is an understated homage to understanding why, of all the places she could have called home, she chose here. While undeniably scenic, there are patently more esteemed cities or exquisite locales not just across Italy but on the Adriatic alone (hello, Venice!). Key to it was Trieste being for centuries a largely tolerant, peaceful, multi-faith knot of identities, an open-minded nexus anchored along this habitable strip the Alps from the Adriatic, through which a traditional trading route between east and west Europe was honed over millennia. Croatia can be reached in a half-hour by car, as can the Italian Alps, while Slovenia is hardly 10 minutes. Arc up to the modest ridgeline above the city's outposts and you enter the placid otherworld of the dry karst plateau. It is a land of many gears, all appealingly low. Yet this Italian city only became Italian in a trade-off following the First World War. Up until the early 1300s, the Triestini spent most of their fragile existence being raided, raped and plundered by the Venetians. This led them to seek protection from the neighbouring Austrians, under which they became nominally Austrian for the following 600 years, with Trieste becoming the main port in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. While, further inland, the steps and coiling alleys play snakes and ladders up and down the old city, there remains a marked 19th-century Austrian imprint upon the flat quayside city centre. It flexes an imperial order, a royal rectitude of sorts, displayed in its mannerly grid system and sequenced squares. No surprises then that Triestini are, dare I say, less demonstrably Italian: The volume, vanity, and delight in theatrical chaos are dialled down to meld with the earthy mellowness of the Slovenes, the calm pragmatism of the Austrians. And I like it. Cycling along the Napoleonic Way in Trieste PRIM AND PROPER But how best to do Trieste, when it's so clearly a place to be? Refreshingly, it's not a city of tick-the-box 'sights,' meaning there's an even, uncluttered flow to the streets and squares, with locals and tourists mingling seamlessly. So, after a wander up to Trieste Cathedral, peruse the city's main central square, the spacious Piazza dell' Unità d'Italia, or try book some opera/ballet at Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi, all comfortably covered in a day. But get out the following morning on the timeworn half-tram, half-funicular to Opicina, a small satellite in the hills overlooking Trieste, and stroll the lovely 4km descent along the Napoleonic way. Dating back to the early 1800s, today it's a de facto greenway, peaceful and of gentle incline, carved through aromatic pine woodlands opening out to stunning views across the Gulf of Trieste. Stroll complete, we spend the rest of our Sunday morning leisurely rock climbing — plenty of chat, craic, and giggles, and with no experience necessary — the limestone cliff face above the trail, thanks to our superb guide, Alberto of Outdoor Lab, €80. The gardens of Miramare Castle, Italy Also along the coast, 7km north of Trieste city centre is the gilded showpiece of Miramare Castle and its attendant 22-hectare public park. It was all a late-1850s status statement by the nice-but-dim Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg, and his trophy wife, Charlotte of Belgium. They only lived there for four years before Maximilian was induced by Napoleon III to take up the puppet post of Emperor of Mexico in 1864, despite having zero connection to that country or its people. More attentive to the cultivation of his new garden than the pitiful plight of his newfound subjects, not surprisingly Max was executed within three years, with Charlotte slipping in to insanity soon after. A most gorgeous 19th century white elephant, their lonesome castle has projected, prim and proper, into the north Adriatic ever since. The city behind me, I journey up on to the Karst plateau, sieved across southwestern Slovenia and north-eastern Italy, all reachable within a half hour of Trieste. As plateaus go, it's hardly Tibet. At a mere 300m altitude, it scarcely scrapes 400sq km and 20,000 inhabitants. Journey between the petite, time-frozen villages and, as the days go by, you may ask yourself — to misappropriate Talking Heads — am I in Italy or Slovenia? The answer? It simply doesn't matter, thanks to the EU. And, as with that Talking Heads hit, Once in a Lifetime, there really is water flowing underground. Being porous limestone, streams and rivers flow so far underground that all the village wells sink for fathoms on end but for a pail of water. We are entering a land where, since 1900, three generations of the one family have been born in the same house without ever moving out, yet still managed to have lived in three different states: Austro-Hungarian Empire; Yugoslavia; Slovenia. Borders, my friend? Borders come and go. Art gallery in Stanjel, Slovenia DREAMLIKE It is a miniaturised landscape, parcelled between miniature, stonewalled fields separating miniature low woodlands. Tiny villages fizzle out in tight strips of orchard and the odd paddock of pigs. It's a landscape where open soils sit below pollarded black mulberry trees, where gable ends of 17th-century cottages catch the setting sun. Where deep dolines (natural karst depressions) and more than 200 caves scour the terrain. A place that has me instantly at ease. Upon low hills sit medieval fortress churches, remodelled with 8m-high outer tabors, huge walls, to defend their wares from the Ottomans. Stanjel is one such, an exquisite, intact village just over the border. These days it's the home of restaurants, boutique craft stores and galleries, of afternoons sipping and tasting. Outside Karst House in Stanjel, Slovenia Stanjel Castle Museum tour (€10) is highly recommended, while its attendant wine shop is worth a gawk. But first book a two-hour guided tour of the village (€19), where you'll discover the aged Karst House, the intricate Ferrari Garden, and wine-tasting at Grad Stanjel. This area is arguably too well known for the Lipica Stud Farm. Horses at Lipica stud Farm, Slovenia Founded in 1576, it seems to be a parade of My Little Ponies, but I admit I only have momentary look over a fence. Endless spin-off equestrian activities/attractions have built up all around these pasty nags. While it may be a novelty for most Europeans, based on the coachloads in the outstretched car park, it's not so when you're coming from Ireland. UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves Spend your time in the Unesco-listed Skocjan Caves instead (€16 - €24), which claim to be the oldest touristed caves in the world, with guided tours starting in 1633. Though I tend to loathe most caves, these massive dreamlike passages have me in awe. Stretching out over 6km, of which almost 3km is now walkable, they're so atmospherically lit that the imagination goes to town on the Tolkien-esque stalactites and stalagmites, as you traverse elevated steel walkways and suspended bridges, the echo of the Reka River lifting far beneath you. Finish off your short break with a gentle hike along the 7km-long section of Stage 36 of the Alpe Adria Trail, from Mihele in Slovenia, downhill to the small town of Bagnoli in Italy. On balance, you'd struggle to find more diversity over a leisurely two-hour rural walk almost anywhere else in Europe than on this cycle and pedestrian path following the former single-line railway through the Glinscica Valley. Rosandra Valley crosses the Karst plateau in in the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia Jamie was a guest of: ESCAPE NOTES Getting there Ryanair fly Dublin-Trieste twice a week from approx. €40 each way (airport is 37km to Trieste). Alternatively, Dublin-Marco Polo Airport (near Venice) has 12 direct service each week, from approx. €40 each way, though it is another 150km on to Trieste. Owing to the scattered, largely rural attractions across the Karst plateau, a hire car is highly recommended. Hotel Maestoso Where to stay In Trieste, go and spoil yourself at the exquisite, early-20th Century Hotel Savoia Excelsior Palace collezione. It's located within a prime city centre block, with views out over the Gulf of Trieste. Classic doubles from €254. On the Karst, I stayed in Hotel Maestoso, at Lipica. While it's very reasonably priced (from €129 per double room), its sheer scale and adjacent garish casino didn't reflect or respect the more intimate, old world village life of the plateau. So, consider casting your net wider. Biohotel St Daniel Where to eat In Trieste, dine at: Near Miramare/Napoleonic Way, dine at Trattoria Sociale di Gabrovizza or Trattoria Valeria Opicina. On the Karst, dine at Bistro Grad Štanjel (in Štanjel village) and Bio Hotel St. Daniel.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I ditched renting & bought a 17-room Medieval mansion in Sicily for less than the price of a Honda – I save a fortune
HOME BARGAINS I ditched renting & bought a 17-room Medieval mansion in Sicily for less than the price of a Honda – I save a fortune BUYING a house may seem like an expensive goal - but one 28-year-old shared how she bought a 17-room Medieval mansion in Sicily for less than the price of a Honda. Adventurous Kiki Leigh snapped up the Italian home for just £22,800, (€27,000) – a fraction of the estimated £367,000 ($500,000) one closer to home would have cost. Advertisement 7 Kiki Leigh has opened up about buying a house in Italy for £22,800 Credit: 7 She is now renovating the 17-room Medieval mansion in Sicily Credit: 7 Kiki moved across the world to snap up the bargain house Credit: Jam Press/@ In a clip on her @ account, she shared how she has been renovating it ever since buying it last summer. Of course, for that price, the historic building needs a lot of work doing to it, and Kiki shared how she has had to gut some rooms so they can be used as bedrooms, a kitchen, library and a bathroom. She shared: '17 rooms. €27K. 4 months in. Not finished. Not even close. But the dream's starting to look like something real. 'First I was intrigued by the prices here. But I very quickly realised I was getting a whole lot more than a house. Advertisement 'The people I've met are friends for life, the food I eat is healthier, the lifestyle is more relaxed and peaceful, the weather is amazing. 'When I came here for the first time I got a feeling like I was always meant to find this place, a lot of my foreign born neighbors felt the same, this place is special to so many. 'You do not need citizenship. Almost anyone can purchase property in Italy, you don't need to be Italian or even a citizen of the EU. 'There's many homes in mussomeli for this price and even way cheaper.' Advertisement Depending on the region, a number of towns and villages across Italy have offered cheap properties to encourage people to move to the area. The conditions for buying each property also vary, but the majority of them need large renovation works. Kiki added: "I have an architect who is handling all the paperwork for me. I met him first and he only works with one construction company in town, so I didn't really have a choice but even if I had I wouldn't have chosen any differently. I'm so happy with their work. I've moved to hidden historic town where houses are the price of handbags & pints are cheaper than Tesco sandwiches 'I'm still working remotely in fashion pr, as I have on and off for about 8 years. Advertisement 'Once my house is done and I'm settled here I will be looking to transition out of that career and take on something new. 'Not sure exactly what that will be yet but I have a few ideas.' 7 Kiki says that buying this home was the only way she was going to get on the property ladder Credit: Jam Press/@ Despite involving a move across the world to a place she doesn't know a soul, Kiki is embracing the challenge full-heartedly, throwing herself into renovations. Advertisement Kiki, originally from Canada, who had been living in LA, shared how she had been fed up with how expensive life was, and then stumbled upon the tiny Italian town that was selling homes for bargain prices. Kiki says: 'I'd been living in LA for over a decade and the real estate market there is laughable. 'Even in Canada, prices have skyrocketed. You do not need citizenship. Almost anyone can purchase property in Italy, you don't need to be Italian or even a citizen of the EU Kiki Leigh 'I was working hard, doing well, but owning a home, let alone a dream home, always felt just out of reach. Advertisement 'I couldn't justify spending half a million dollars on something that didn't feel special. 'Then I realised that for a fraction of that I could own a literal piece of history. 'The math just started to make sense in a way that North America never did.' 7 The house will need a lot of work but it will still cost her far less than buying in the US Credit: Jam Press/@ Advertisement At some points she was paying £1,830, ($2,500), a month for a one-bedroom apartment. She explains: 'That didn't include parking or peace of mind. 'Nor with castle views and cobblestone charm. 'Rent felt like a monthly punishment for staying somewhere I wasn't thriving. Advertisement 'It wasn't sustainable long-term, financially or emotionally.' The people I've met are friends for life, the food I eat is healthier, the lifestyle is more relaxed and peaceful, the weather is amazing Kiki Leigh So far she has spent £42,185 (€50,000) on renovations to the 600-year-old pad. She says: 'This is a historic home, the kind of place that reveals new surprises behind every wall. 'To me, this isn't just a house, it's an experience, an art project, a home base for my future, and a way to live life a little differently. Advertisement 'So I'm more than happy with the investment. 'I'm building a spa with a jacuzzi and sauna, and full bar, because if you're going to bring a home back to life, why not make it a little magical?' 7 Her property boasts incredible views over the town Credit: Jam Press/@ Kiki estimates that the total will land somewhere around £101,250 – £118,140, (€120,000 – €140,000). Advertisement She adds: 'I want it to feel like the ultimate home for peace and tranquillity. 'A place where I can bring all my loved ones together and experience something special and rare. 'It is the kind of place that feeds your soul and makes you feel at home the second you walk inside. 'I'm also building a library as an homage to the home's previous owner, a Sicilian scholar and professor. Advertisement 'It felt only right to preserve that legacy and create a space where books, ideas, and conversation are front and centre.' Kiki now splits her time between Sicily, LA and Canada while renovations continue, but she is almost ready to move in full-time. She estimates it'll save her around £2,200, ($3,000 a month) once renovations are finished. She says: 'Rent alone is already eliminated. Advertisement 'Groceries, utilities, dining out, everything is more affordable here.' 7 She has never felt more happy and healthy since making the big move Credit: Jam Press/@ And she's not wrong, according to local prices you can expect to pay around £3.40 for a pint, less than most supermarket sandwiches. She got the keys to her new home in January, started renovating in March and is moving in next month to do the finishing touches. Advertisement Kiki, originally from Winnipeg, Canada, says: 'You don't need a five-year plan, a perfect timeline, or anyone's permission to build a life that feels good. 'I bought an old, crumbling house in a tiny Sicilian town with no real plan beyond: this feels right. 'And it's led to more freedom, joy, and community than I could have imagined. 'The life I've built here feels amazing.' Advertisement
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
My autistic son ran off at airport and boarded easyJet flight to WRONG country – despite not having ticket or passport
The agitated boy was met by police and medics, taken to hospital and sedated HOLS HELL My autistic son ran off at airport and boarded easyJet flight to WRONG country – despite not having ticket or passport A MUM told of her nightmare yesterday after her son ran off at an airport before boarding a plane to the wrong country. Fiona Robinson, 48, was buying souvenirs ahead of a flight from Minorca to Stansted when Ruben, 14, had an autism episode. 6 Fiona Robinson told of her nightmare after her son Ruben ran off at an airport before boarding a plane to the wrong country 6 Ruben got on an easyJet plane flying to Milan from Minorca on Monday with no ticket or passport 6 Relieved Fiona said: 'You think stuff like this can only happen in the movies' Incredibly, with no ticket or passport, he got on an easyJet plane flying to Milan at 9.25am on Monday. On landing in the Italian city, agitated Ruben was met by police and medics, taken to hospital and sedated. Fiona flew to Barcelona, then Milan, and yesterday the reunited pair travelled home to Kettering, Northants. Relieved Fiona said: 'You think stuff like this can only happen in the movies. 'It's been a nightmare. He has severe autism, he won't have had a clue what was happening to him. I'm just glad he's safe and sound. 'Ruben had lost his ear defenders on holiday and was getting stressed, so I told him we'd go soon. There was a big queue in duty free. Ruben said, 'Mum, I'm gonna go', then he was gone.' He was gone for four hours before security and police realised he was airside, and plane crew confirmed he was aboard. Mum-of-three Fiona, who has mobility issues after a knee op, said the week abroad was their first trip since Covid, adding: 'Ruben deserved a holiday but next time we'll stay in the UK.' She is 'upset and angry' at easyJet, which is investigating. The airline said: 'Our team and the authorities met the passenger in Milan and we provided arrangements for a family member to meet them. 'We remain in touch to offer our support.' Travel chaos as TWO flights have mid-air emergencies within A MINUTE at major UK airport 6 Fiona was buying souvenirs ahead of their flight to Stansted, pictured Credit: Alamy 6 Fiona was travelling from Minorca airport, pictured Credit: Alamy
