Latest news with #cultural
The Independent
27-05-2025
- The Independent
Will my money be protected using travel agencies abroad?
Q I am planning a trip that would involve using an in-country local travel agency. Before sending any money ahead, I need to be sure, of course, that the company is trustworthy and reliable. Clearly they won't have UK protections. Can you suggest anything better than simply reading online reviews? Muthe A The optimum legal status for any overseas trip is a package holiday by air that begins in the UK. That means a flight plus one or more other services: usually accommodation, but sometimes a full organised tour, whether of cultural sights or Himalayan heights. Booking through a British company means your money is protected. And if anything goes awry with the arrangements, the firm that organises the trip must sort out the problem for you. In other words: if possible, you should arrange a trip comprising flights and 'ground arrangements' (ie, a tour with a local operator) through a single UK company. There are, though, plenty of circumstances in which organising a trip like that may be either impractical or wildly expensive. In practical terms, it may simply be because the local operator does not have a UK partner. Regarding cost: if there is a British partner, often the margin added may run to hundreds or thousands of pounds – partly because of the high cost of providing those guarantees on financial and operational protection. As a result of either or both of these factors, I have booked a fair number of trips through in-country travel agencies. In no case have I looked at online reviews. Ideally, it is word of mouth from other travellers I know and trust. Otherwise, knowing that the agency acts as a ground operator for international tour operators is a positive sign. Failing that, arrange a call to the boss or other high-up at the agency and ask lots of questions about the details of your proposed trip. Your intuition should help you decide whether this is someone to whom you can entrust your trip, your money and your safety. Q Please could you tell us if you think Faro airport will get its act together in time for the summer holidays, when thousands of us Brits will be heading there? I am quite worried about the situation. Edie R A For many non-EU passengers flying in and out of Faro airport in southern Portugal, it has been a miserable weekend. Queues for passport checks for 'third-country nationals' have regularly exceeded an hour – while citizens of member states of the European Union (and wider Schengen area, including Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) are given a fast track. As with many other airports around Europe, the vast majority of third-country nationals are from the UK. In one sense, we are getting exactly what we signed up for. The 'oven-ready' deal to leave the EU included British travellers surrendering the opportunity to cross into the Schengen area with minimum fuss. We demanded the right to wait in line while officials scrutinised the passports of all arrivals for evidence of overstaying. Also, on the way out of an EU country, we secured agreement to have our passports stamped, regardless of the risk of missing transfers and flights due to post-Brexit red tape. Yet long waits on arrival constitute a bad way to start a holiday, and on departure, it can be extremely disruptive, expensive and upsetting to miss a flight because of the impossibility of clearing passport control before departure. The Schengen area border code says: 'Member States should ensure that control procedures at external borders do not constitute a major barrier to trade and social and cultural interchange. To that end, they should deploy appropriate numbers of staff and resources.' Staff and resources are the big problems at Faro airport. But I am sure airlines and the large holiday companies such as Jet2 and Tui are speaking robustly to the Portuguese authorities about processing times at the Algarve gateway. If Faro gets a reputation for poor service, many holidaymakers will happily switch elsewhere next time. I am sure the Portuguese tourism organisation is also on the case. Q We are going to Zante for the first time with our three children (age range 11 to 17). What highlights do you recommend? We weren't planning to rent a car. Katie H A Zante, in the Ionian Sea south of Kefalonia and Corfu, is an excellent island for a family holiday. The beaches in the southeast around the main resort of Laganas and strung along the northeast coast are decent. Fresh, tasty food and drinks at reasonable prices are guaranteed. After spending a week in Zante (also known as Zakynthos) last year, I have three highlights. I hope you can tempt your children away from the beach for at least one of them. First, the island's capital, Zakynthos (also known as Zante Town), is most agreeable. Wherever you are staying, there will be regular inexpensive buses to and from. Watch the comings and goings at the port. Wander through the pedestrianised areas. And visit the reasonably interesting archaeological museum (good luck dragging the kids around this one). Next, in the interior of the island, the church of St Nicholas is well worth the long and winding drive to the village of Gerakari. The church itself is atmospheric, but the panorama – with views across the island and beyond to neighbouring Kefalonia – is superb. You can either rent a car for the day (€50 or less, ask locally) or get a taxi to take you there and wait (likely to be in the region of €80). Renting a car will be handy for my third treat: the Keri Lighthouse restaurant in the southwest of the island. The meals are not the best on the island, but the location certainly is: high on a cliff above the most intensely blue Mediterranean water I have ever seen. Just in case you get the urge to explore further afield, you can take a ferry across to Kefalonia in the morning and return in the evening. But I think Zante will have plenty to keep everyone happy.
The National
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The National
'Muratabat': Arabic word for refreshments is about hydration and also hospitality
As temperatures climb and the days become languid in the heat, it is natural to start finding ways to cool down. As such, this week we are turning our attention to a word that is light and soothing. Muratabat is often translated as refreshments. Its singular form is muratib. Our Arabic word of the week evokes images of chilled drinks, slices of fruits and the sweet rituals that offer relief from the summer swelter. Muratabat also has several linguistic and cultural layers beyond its culinary connotations. But we will start in the pantry. While muratabat often refers to iced drinks and refreshments, it can also refer to hot drinks such as tea (shai) or coffee (qahwa). A place that sells refreshments can be referred to as mahal muratabat. If you have been served refreshments at a gathering, you could say 'al diyafa kanet muratabat'. The word is also used in a metaphorical capacity. Of diffusing the tension in the air, you could say 'rattaba al jow', making sure to accentuate the second consonant. Breaking down muratabat, we get words such as ratb, meaning fresh or soft – and it also refers to dates that are just on the verge of ripening. Another word in the root of muratabat is rutuba, which refers to moisture and humidity. Murattib can also refer to moisturisers such as creams. Another form of the word, ratiba, is often used to describe a sense of relief – such as ratiba qalbahu, referring to the heart. Like many Arabic words, muratabat doesn't just describe an object, but evokes an atmosphere of good company. Muratabat is not merely about an icy glass of fresh juice or a soothing cup of tea. The word brings to mind the act of hosting, of offering comfort. A tray of muratabat is not just about hydration, but hospitality.
News24
23-05-2025
- General
- News24
Tea is the most popular drink in the world - beating out coffee and beer
Tea is the most popular drink in the world other than water. It beats out coffee and beer, which hold second and third place. May 21 is designated as International Tea Day by the United Nations, marking the significance and value of the drink globally, not just economically but culturally too. Tea plays a meaningful role in many societies. From Tibetan po cha to a good old English breakfast brew, tea is considered a unifying and hospitable beverage. While the exact origins of tea are unknown, it is believed to have originated in northeast India, northern Myanmar and southwest China, according to the UN. There is evidence that tea was consumed in China 5,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest beverages in the world. How to say tea around the world Across the globe, nearly all words for tea can be derived from the root words 'cha' or 'te'. In many parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, the word for tea is derived from cha. In Mandarin: 茶 (chá) In Arabic: شاي (shāy) In Turkish: çay In Hindi: चाय (chāi) In Western Europe, many countries use some derivative of te. For example, 'tea' was introduced into the English language as a result of trade routes in the East. The word was taken from China, where it was pronounced 'te' in the Hokkien dialect. In English: tea In French: thé In Spanish: té In German: tee Who produces the most tea globally? The tea plant is usually grown in tropical and subtropical climates where its cultivation and processing support the livelihoods of millions of people. According to the latest data from the Tea and Coffee Trade Journal's Global Tea Report, China produces nearly half of the world's tea (48 percent). India is the second largest producer, accounting for 20 percent of world production, followed by Kenya (8 percent), Turkiye (4 percent) and Sri Lanka (3 percent). The rest of the world accounts for 17 percent of tea production globally. How much tea is consumed daily worldwide? According to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), world tea consumption reached 6.5 million tonnes in 2022, growing from previous years. Consumption in China, the largest consumer of tea, reached 3 million tonnes in 2022, representing 46 percent of global consumption. India, the second largest consumer, accounted for a share of nearly 18 percent at 1.16 million tonnes in 2022, followed by Turkiye with 250,000 tonnes, Pakistan with 247,000 tonnes and Russia with 133,000 tonnes. According to the FAO, tea consumption expanded by 2 percent in 2022 compared with 2021 and further increased in 2023. However, tea consumption in countries in Europe and North America has been declining due to increasing competition from other beverages while for Russia, tea imports have been negatively impacted by the war in Ukraine. Rooibos tea. Five odd teas around the world To mark this year's International Tea Day, here are five somewhat unusual teas from around the world and how to make them: Butter tea (po cha) Found in: Tibet and other Himalayan regions What's odd?: It's in the name. Made with yak butter, black tea and salt, butter tea is broth-like. Apparently, there is a tradition where the host will refill your cup with butter tea until you refuse or until they stop filling it, signalling it's time for you to leave. Kombucha – is it tea? Found in: China, Japan and the Koreas What's odd?: Kombucha is considered a tea. It's a fermented tea made using a jelly-like SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). Kombucha fans often name their SCOBYs, treat them like pets and pass them to friends like family heirlooms. Butterfly pea flower tea Found in: Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam What's odd?: It is known as blue tea because of its colour, which then changes to purple when lemon juice is added. It's caffeine free and made from a concoction of floral petals from the blue pea flower. Baobab leaf tea Found in: sub-Saharan Africa What's odd?: Baobab leaf tea is traditionally used in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa as a mild herbal remedy and nutritional drink. Unlike most herbal teas, which are often floral or fruity, baobab leaf tea has a mildly earthy or even slightly bitter taste, a bit like spinach water. Guava leaf tea What's odd?: The tea is made from the leaves of the guava tree, which have an earthy flavour. In Philippine culture, it is said to have medicinal benefits for soothing stomach aches and bathing wounds.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Daily Mail
The world's most walkable city revealed as European gem tops the list
Stroll into summer with a holiday in one of these incredible walkable destinations. A new ranking by the walking experts at GuruWalk, a booking platform for free walking tours, has revealed the globe's easiest cities to explore on foot. So, where is the world's most walkable city? Rome tops the list of this year's ranking. GuruWalk explains: 'The Eternal City remains a key destination for travellers fascinated by ancient history. 'The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Baroque squares make Rome an open-air museum that deserves to be explored thoroughly, step by step.' Many of Rome's key attractions are located within walking distance of each other. The Italian capital's centre is also fairly flat making it easy to navigate. Second on the walkable list is Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. GuruWalk says: 'Known as the "Pearl of the Danube", Budapest blends imperial architecture with a vibrant cultural scene.' Tourists can stroll from St Stephen's Basilica to Budapest's Houses of Parliament in just 15 minutes. After exploring on foot, visitors can relax in one of Budapest's iconic thermal bath houses. Madrid, Spain's capital, rounds off the top three. GuruWalk says the Spanish metropolis 'offers the perfect combination of art, urban life and iconic parks'. The city's Museo Nacional del Prado, home to works by Goya and Velaquez, is just five minutes walk from Retiro Park, one of Madrid's best places to unwind. When it comes to the UK, London ranks highest for walkability. GuruWalk celebrates the Big Smoke's 'unrivalled combination of history and modernity'. Despite the UK capital's size, pedestrianised areas such as Covent Garden and the South Bank make it one of the country's most walkable cities. Edinburgh also earns a place in the top 20, ranking in 19th position worldwide. GuruWalk explains: 'Edinburgh enchants with its blend of medieval architecture and contemporary atmosphere.' Many of the Scottish capital's top attractions are centred around the city's Royal Mile, making it easy for tourists to explore the city on foot. Glasgow lands a place in the top 100 ranking, squeezing onto the scoreboard in 91st position. GuruWalk reveals: 'Strolling through its streets means discovering impressive Victorian buildings, contemporary galleries and an ever-changing culinary scene that reflects its young and dynamic spirit.' New York is the only U.S city to make the top 100, coming in 33rd position in the ranking. Guru Walk says: 'Walking through Central Park, along Fifth Avenue or exploring iconic neighbourhoods like Soho and Brooklyn offers a unique experience full of contrasts.' THE WORLD'S MOST WALKABLE CITIES 1. Rome, Italy 2. Budapest, Hungary 3. Madrid, Spain 4. Prague, Czechia 5. Barcelona, Spain 6. Lisbon, Portugal 7. London, UK 8. Florence, Italy 9. Amsterdam, Netherlands 10. Berlin, Germany 11. Paris, France 12. Porto, Portugal 13. Vienna, Austria 14. Seville, Spain 15. Venice, Italy 16. Toledo, Spain 17. Istanbul, Turkey 18. Milan, Italy 19. Edinburgh, Scotland 20. Krakow, Poland 21. Brussels, Belgium 22. Dubrovnik, Croatia 23. Copenhagen, Denmark 24. Marrakesh, Morocco 25. Split, Croatia 26. Malaga, Spain 27. Naples, Italy 28. Valencia, Spain 29. Bruges, Belgium 30. Dublin, Ireland 31. Santiago de Compostela, Spain 32. Munich, Germany 33. New York, USA 34. Granada, Spain 35. Mexico City, Mexico 36. Tokyo, Japan 37. Medellin, Colombia 38. Stockholm, Sweden 39. Hanoi, Vietnam 40. Cartagena, Colombia 41. Bilbao, Spain 42. Kyoto, Japan 43. Cordoba, Spain 44. Bratislava, Slovakia 45. Buenos Aires, Argentina 46. Tirana, Albania 47. Cusco, Peru 48. Santiago, Chile 49. Bucharest, Romania 50. Ljubljana, Slovenia Source: Guruwalk Prague, Barcelona, Lisbon, Florence, Amsterdam and Berlin also make the global top 10. Prague is described as a 'magical European capital' to discover on foot while Barcelona is the 'ideal city' to get a little lost in, says GuruWalk. Lisbon might be hilly but its compact city centre means it's suitable for walkers who don't mind tackling an incline. Looking for an under the radar getaway? A gorgeous city in Germany has been revealed as the cheapest place to fly to this summer and a beer there is only £2.50.
The Independent
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Organist celebrates 56 years of music with recital for Glasgow's 850th birthday
An organist will celebrate more than 56 years of performing in Glasgow at a special recital to honour his contribution to the city's cultural life on Wednesday. Bill Hutcheson first performed a recital at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on October 22 1969 and he has played the attraction regularly ever since. Fifty years ago, Mr Hutcheson performed as part of celebrations marking Glasgow's 800th anniversary and since the gallery reopened after a refurbishment in 2006 he has often played during daily recitals. On Wednesday, he will play once more to mark the city's 850th anniversary and will later be presented with a commemorative plate in recognition of his service. The recital will feature A Glasgow Flourish, arranged by Mr Hutcheson and woven with familiar melodies linked to the city; Kelvingrove, a piece specially commissioned for Mr Hutcheson by his family and composed by John Barber; and the finale from Sonata No 4 by Alexandre Guilmant, among other pieces. He said: 'It's been a privilege to play this magnificent instrument for over five decades and to be part of Glasgow's 850 celebrations. 'The organ is like an old friend, capable of anything from a whisper to a roar. What makes these recitals so special is the audience. They're open to everything, from Bach to swing to the unexpected. 'In a city renowned for music, it's a pleasure to bring joy to so many people, in one of our finest museums.' Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren said: 'Bill's dedication to the world-famous organ recitals in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has enriched our city's cultural heritage and brought joy to countless visitors. 'His performances have become a favourite tradition and, for some, a happy introduction to the world of organ music, usually more associated with places of worship. 'This milestone is even more momentous as Bill took part in the Glasgow 800 celebrations. 'Today, fifty years on, we honour his commitment, exceptional service and his place as an integral part of Glasgow's vibrant cultural life.'
