Aberystwyth author Caryl Lewis launches new novel
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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I went on the bucket-list Intrepid tour with world-famous beaches, legendary football and 80p cocktails
At Iguazu Falls, Toucans and parrots flew overhead while capybaras relax in the cooling waters PLACE TO TAN-GO I went on the bucket-list Intrepid tour with world-famous beaches, legendary football and 80p cocktails 'I CAN'T dance . . . I'm English,' I insisted in my woeful Spanish. Milandra wasn't taking no for an answer, though, and forced me to my feet. Advertisement 8 I went on a bucket list South America Tour, pictured Rio de Janeiro in Brazil Credit: Getty 8 Relax on world famous Copacabana beach Credit: Getty Before I knew what was happening, she and I were locked in a tight embrace, spinning around the dance floor. I usually avoid dancing in public, but in Buenos Aires, the tango is so culturally important, I felt it would be rude not to try. So I'd paid a visit to one of the city's milongas — ramshackle dance clubs found throughout the Argentine capital — where dance enthusiasts assemble every night to cut a rug with one another. I just hoped the locals wouldn't be too offended by what was essentially an act of desecration on my part, as I clumsily stumbled around the room, trying my best to stay on my feet while not crushing Milandra's. Advertisement They say it takes two to tango, but really, she was the only one contributing to our performance. I was merely there — a practice dummy, as useful and as graceful as a big sack of sugar, but still, somehow, absolutely thrilled to be a part of it. That's the overriding emotion of South America — sheer and simple joy. I walked around in persistant child-like wonder, gawping idiotically at everything I found myself immersed in. Advertisement Nowhere else was that more prevalent than Iguazu Falls, the centrepiece of Intrepid's seven-day Best of Argentina and Brazil tour that starts in Buenos Aires and ends in Rio de Janeiro, via a two-day trip to the most breath-taking natural park I have ever visited. In places like this, guides will lower expectations by explaining that they 'can't promise anything' when it comes to which wildlife will make an appearance. Outside of New York City I found vineyards, breweries and a race track They needn't be so cagey in Iguazu, with the sprawling stretch of jungle that saddles the border between the two countries packed with a gloriously diverse wealth of creatures. Toucans and parrots flew overhead, capybaras relaxed in the cooling waters of the Iguazu River and mischievous coati, a relative of the raccoon, flocked to picnic areas to fight over tourists' dropped scraps. Advertisement All of this, and so much more, plays out in front of the most awe-inspiring backdrop, the falls, which were officially declared one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011. 'Thrilling ambience' Rickety walkways offer vantage points to view most of the landmark's astounding angles, although guests can also take helicopter rides overhead, as well as a boat ride that is slightly more extreme than its name suggests. My fellow sailors and I were tossed about in our seats as our high-powered vessel first took on a barrage of rapids, before the skilled driver zipped in and out of some of the falls' more powerful sections, completely drenching each of us to the bone. I can't remember ever being quite so soaked, but the cool waters of the aggressive power shower were very refreshing in the 38C heat. Advertisement It also enabled me to gain a truer appreciation of the force of nature I had been lucky enough to spend two exhilarating days exploring. Luckily, the opportunity to relax was provided at my final stop, Rio, where the locals on the famous Copacabana beach go out of their way to prevent you from having to do anything at all. After renting a chair for the day for just £2, I was approached by a steady stream of men with barbecues offering to cook enormous prawns, grilled cheeses or various meats without me ever needing to move from my spot. 8 Iguazu Falls is the centrepiece of Intrepid's seven-day Best of Argentina and Brazil tour Credit: Getty Advertisement 8 Toucans fill the jungle Credit: Getty Even more pleasing was the constant flow of vendors serving refreshing caipirinhas, the Brazilian's cocktail of choice — a dangerously drinkable mix of sugar, limes and cachaca, a local spirit made from fermented sugar cane that has the strength of a Long Island iced tea masked by the sweetness of a can of Lilt. They're not just found by the beach, either. In fact, they're sold from stalls throughout the city and range in price from 80p to around £3, according to the extensive research that I selflessly conducted. They're even sold at the city's tourist spots, with bars found on top of Sugarloaf Mountain, which offers stunning views over the city's beaches and coruscating favelas, as well as the Selaron Steps — 215 stairs colourfully decorated with tiles by Chilean artist Jorge Selaron that connect the city centre with the flamboyantly graffitied Santa Teresa neighbourhood. Advertisement Perilous perch The main sight to see is the Christ The Redeemer statue, which has stood atop Mount Corcovado since 1931. It's an impressive monument to behold, particularly up close, where the craftsmanship that went into carving Jesus' face almost 100 years ago can be truly admired. From its perilous perch, tourists can pick out other famous sights, including the stage where most of Rio's carnival celebrations take place, and the Maracana stadium, where the Brazilian national football team and Flamengo play. South American fans are considered to be among the more rambunctious, so, keen to see what all the fuss was about, I got myself a ticket, with Intrepid's tours including matches as an optional extra. Advertisement The streets surrounding the 78,000-seat arena were bursting with life from as much as two hours before kick-off, with barbecues, beer and, of course, caipirinhas all on offer, as Flamengo fans in their Dennis The Menace-esque black and red home shirts made their way to the ground. Once inside the legendary stadium, the noise and atmosphere only intensified, with samba beats being beaten loudly from drums, while pyrotechnics and giant flags enhanced the thrilling ambience. I did my best to sing along with the home fans, despite not knowing any Portuguese, and by the end I felt like an honorary member of their troop as we roared on Flamengo to a hard-fought 1-0 win. Then, as the fans filtered out afterwards, singing and dancing into the night, I ordered a final caipirinha and already began to feel a profound sense of longing for this truly magnificent part of the world before I'd even started packing for my flight home the next morning. Advertisement Luckily, with trips like Intrepid's highlights tour, it's easy enough to plan another visit for the not-too-distant future. I just need to make sure I take a few tango lessons beforehand, so I can sweep Milandra off her feet next time, instead of almost standing all over them. 8 The tango is so culturally important to Argentina Credit: Getty 8 Enjoy a kickabout at the Maracanã, Brazil Credit: Getty Advertisement 8 There is a constant flow of vendors serving refreshing caipirinhas Credit: Getty 8 A macaw at Iguazu falls Credit: Getty
North Wales Live
3 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Oasis bring a crowd to Cardiff like nothing anyone expected or the city has ever seen
The first thing that stood out about Cardiff in the sunshine on the afternoon of July 4, 2025, were the languages. This is a city used to international crowds for sporting fixtures. It has often played host to tourists visiting to see the sights or attend a concert. Yet this was different, the people strolling along the paved area of St Mary Street were from all over the world. Scores of different nationalities all in the city at the same time and all united by their branded Oasis T-shirts and their love of the band. The river of people headed between the stadium and the Oasis mural were threading their way through the outdoor seating areas of bars and restaurants packed with people eating and drinking in the warm weather. The familiar strains of Don't Look Back in Anger drift from the nearby pubs. It is sea of people - bags of Oasis merch in hand, bucket hats perched on heads. The stadium has been vibrating from the soundchecks. Yet few seem to be from Manchester. They are from everywhere. If you needed reminding that Oasis were far more than just a 90s sensation on these islands, the proof is here in the dedication of those who have flown from around the world to hear Noel and Liam together again. This is a music that transcends language and culture. The likes of Wonderwall and Live Forever connect people all over the world and today, Cardiff is proof. Among those who've made the journey are Kellie Evans and Mark Thompson, who have come from Melbourne in Australia. For this pair, being here isn't just about seeing a band that they have loved for decades but reconnecting with their youth. "In the nineties, I was actually living in London which was at the height of Britpop. It was a whole new genre of music! Team Blur and Team Oasis - I liked Blur but I did lean more to Oasis." Mark remembers how the Britpop movement stood out against what was dominating the charts back home. "There was a lot of house and dance music at the time," he says. "But all these great bands started coming together: James, The Charlatans... It was different to what we were hearing from America, which was a whole lot grunge and Nirvana." "Oasis and Britpop definitely made an impact in Australia," he adds. Despite the following the band for decades, they never imagined they'd see them live - let alone reuniting. "We never thought they'd be getting back together," they say. "But the first show was was always on our radar. We thought it was the safest - just in case there were any arguments!" Hiro Iwane, a 36-year-old fan from Japan arrived in Cardiff last night for the gig. He says the band changed his life. He's been a fan since he was 14, when his father's second-hand CD of (What's the Story) Morning Glory? first introduced him to the band. "It was a shock when I heard it for the first time," he recalled. "I didn't understand English at the time but after that thought I should learn it. "I learned English from them. They changed my life." Hiro's story is one that resonates with many people here today - fans brought together by not just music but what it represents: nostalgia and memories. Another fan here is Alex Schüt, who has come from Germany. Alex has been following Oasis since 1995, and this evening marks the eighth time he has seen them live. "I never thought they'd get back together," he admitted. "I can only hope that it isn't because of the money!" Regardless, there was no way Alex was going to miss Oasis's opening show - telling WalesOnline that this was an "unmissable" event. "My wife is at home looking after our twin sons who are one-years-old, they are a bit ill at the moment. I said though - there was no way I was missing this! This is more than just a gig to me. It's so hard to describe, but Oasis changed my life." Alex said that it's the setting that has made the experience all the more special. "Really it's the overall atmosphere surrounding the gig that I'm most excited for. You could feel it here last night. "Last night I went to Tiny Rebel and a couple of other bars in Cardiff. In the end there was a group of us Oasis fans from Germany, Argentine and Norway, coming together for the band - it's just really special. "I think that it's very good they started the tour here - because you can feel the vibe. I think if it had been in London, the vibe would have been swallowed by the city." Max Ahlstedt from Stockholm in Sweden is another International fan to make the trek, which he described as a bit of a nightmare. "I hate flying," he says. "I have been nervous for it all week! But I'm here. I haven't been in the UK since 2007, it's great to be back." Despite the travel stress, Max couldn't be more thrilled to be in Cardiff. "I love it here. My dream is to get a Bluebirds shirt - I hope I get to see the football stadium while I'm here." Max's connection to Oasis goes way back. He was 14-years-old when he first saw them perform Wonderwall on MTV and soon after, attended his first Stockholm show. "My little brother actually made the paper for carrying these massive Oasis posters - I was so jealous at the time, I was like 'I'm the real number one fan! Being interviewed now is so cool." Over the years, Max has seen Oasis 19 times - but this is the most important event to date. "This is the biggest it has ever been. Coming to this first gig was a priority." In saying that, he has no concerns that the band will break up during the tour. "They'll carry on through to the end," Max predicts. "I am surprised that they've gotten back together though. I thought they'd be like the Fab Four - not the Stones.' "It's amazing... but strange at the same time. In a weird way it still feels like my little band. "Lots of people don't know this but Definitely Maybe released in Sweden three days before any other country. It's crazy to see how far they've come." If you didn't manage to get your hands on the hard to get tickets you can enter our competition here to be in with a chance of winning tickets to see Oasis at Wembley. Tickets for the Oasis reunion sold out across all venues due to huge demand when they went online earlier in the year. However, there are still several options available for fans trying to snag a last-minute spot. Viagogo and resale tickets Sites such as viagogo, Stubhub, and Vivid Seats allow fans to buy resale tickets from other fans. However, it is important to note that ticket conditions often prohibit resale after initial purchase. Those tickets may not be valid for admittance to gigs. Fans intending to buy tickets for live events through resale websites should check the ticket terms and conditions, to confirm whether resale is prohibited, before they buy. Ticket terms and conditions can be checked with the original seller, such as Ticketmaster or Live Nation. If resale is prohibited, tickets bought second-hand could be voided and admission to the event refused. Limited last-minute tickets can be bought from the official Ticketmaster resale site, where fans who can no longer go sell their seats, although these tend to go into and out of stock quickly. Elsewhere, resale sites like Viagogo, Vivid Seats, StubHub and Twickets are selling tickets for various dates with prices from £121, although fans should always bear in mind that many official sites, such as Ticketmaster and Live Nation, discourage the purchase of resale tickets.
The National
4 hours ago
- The National
New Scot blends politics and patter in bold comedy fundraiser
He brought a revamped version of his hit Glasgow Comedy Festival show, Chips, Cheese and Curry, to Blackfriars on Thursday, performing a special charity gig in support of a family in Gaza. After calling himself 'Romesh Ranganathan from Temu' within the first five minutes of the set and comparing his hometown of Sirohi, India to Aberdeen, – both places where 'all you think about is leaving' – one would be forgiven if they assumed he was not proud of his roots. READ MORE: From Lewis Capaldi to a long-awaited apology – plenty to be positive about in June However, Rathore delivered a 50 minute gig that served as not just a charity fundraiser or a run of the mill comedy set, but a nuanced exploration of leaving home and finding it in a place that doesn't often know what to do with you. Since coming to Scotland, the comic has had a number of experiences – some good, some bad and some side-splittingly wild (looking at you, Falkirk dating scene). After being offered 'halal' class A drugs in a Dundee pub toilet, Rathore came to the astute conclusion that our wee island nation is 'racist but welcoming'. He explored the ramifications of the East India Company and the UK's troubled history of colonialism with slick observational humour and a fairly accurate impression of the beloved naturalist David Attenborough. A few of the technical issues he faced would have left any novice comic flailing on stage, but Rathore handled it with style, incorporating the hitches into the set and improvising with crowd work until problems with sound were resolved. READ MORE: 'Hold its head in shame': Gary Linker hits out at BBC for dropping Gaza documentary And shout-out to Rathore's dad, who has unknowingly become a Glasgow micro-celebrity with his accidental inclusion of Nigel Farage quotes in a Facebook eulogy for a friend who had passed away. Despite English being his fourth language, he shows an innate and witty understanding not just of Scottish culture but of the core pillar of our society too: our patter. From accidentally joining an Orange Walk to the bizarre parties our funerals often turn into, Chips, Cheese and Curry acts as a sneaky love letter to his hometown and the things that inadvertently tie it to Glasgow. Rathore has once again proven himself as one to watch on the Glasgow comedy scene. He will make his Edinburgh Fringe debut later this summer, performing at The Snug from July 31 – August 4. Verdict – four stars.
