Drama in Dahab; playground for the weird and wonderful
January 14, 2011
If you happened to read my last post, you’ll know that I was taking a well earned break over New Year and spending time with camels, Pharaohs and fish in Egypt. The trip began in Cairo, where a friend and I spent two sleepless nights embracing the sounds of quadruple lane traffic honking their horns, with us breathing in exhaust fumes and the most polluted air in the world. Top way to unwind.
Once accustomed to the Cairo Cough, we ventured out to The Egyptian Museum which is an awe-inspiring place to say the very least, and not to be missed if you visit the capital yourself. Seeing the world-renowned Tutankhamun’s mask in person was one of the best moments of my two weeks. Of course, like proper tourists we took in the pyramids too, but the holiday really got started when we arrived in the not-so-sleepy dive resort of Dahab. Never did we think such a small, almost falling-apart-at-the-seams town could be filled with so much adventure.
While a good chunk of our time in Dahab was spent hanging out at Yalla Bar on the seafront, we also took to our saddles for a two-hour pony trek and then donned our best Village People-inspired outfits to escape to the desert on quad bikes. After and action-packed start, pretty much the rest of the holiday was spent getting acquainted with the local beer (Sakara), BOGOF White Russians and the odd entire bottle of tequila.
Hangovers aside, nine nights in Dahab is up there with one of the best holidays I’ve ever had, partly due to the company of a bunch of hardcore drinking teachers (whom for obvious reasons, shall remain anonymous), a body building Essex boy with a heart of gold, Vodka Sherberts and everything else that went in-between. For all of our sanity, it’s far better to leave the ‘drama’ of Dahab unpublished. Instead, I’ll leave you with a few shots (of the photography kind) which capture some of the top times of our two weeks in Egypt.
Seeking Shakespeare in the Cotswolds
November 9, 2010
Downpours and inventions at Vintage Goodwood
August 18, 2010
On Friday afternoon, after a few back seat beers and cheesy poofs, we arrived at Vintage Goodwood just in time for the heavens to open, as if on command and right as we began to pitch our tents. Thankfully, the boys became men (momentarily at least) and allowed us ladies to saunter off in the rain in search of yesteryear’s treasures.
With a bit of careful footing through the mud, we reached the main event where everyone from The Body Shop to Oxfam had created pop-up shops on the festivals retro ‘high-street’. In Oxfam we discovered rails set out by decade which were home to everything from 70s chic chiffon maxi dresses to 50s rockabilly skirts. The prices may have been a little high, but still affordable should you have fallen head over heels with one of the many special pieces.
After the outburst of “There’s hundred’s of vintage stalls over there!” from one of the boys upon their return, we naturally made an instinctual diversion from the high-street like lions chasing gazelle. While his numbers may have been somewhat overstated, we certainly did find some amazing stands where we promptly lost a good few hours and emptied our already well-worn wallets.
One-of-a-kind fashion aside, we played on the vintage cars and scooters like both children and pin-ups (see below). We were also lucky enough to get backstage dressing room passes and got to check out where rock legends Faces got ready for their first performance together in 25 years. As Ronnie Wood, Kenney Jones, Ian McLagan, Mick Hucknall and Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock walked past us, heading towards the stage, we traced their footsteps. However, on arrival at the rear of the main stage, we were quick to decide that for us, it was right in the thick of the crowd that was the only place to be.
Just before laying our heads to rest after a jolly good day, my fellow tent sharer, upon expressing how he could never find anything in his jacket exclaimed; “Wouldn’t it be good if you just had one really big pocket?” To which I responded; “Yeah, with a strap?” His reply; “What, like a bag?!” Had it not been for the fact that we had been long been beaten to it with such an invention (and the copious amounts of vodka, whisky and beer consumed) I could have sworn we were onto something…
Crowd pleasers - vintage fashionistas spotted at Goodwood
Polka dots and pin-ups
Smoking smock
Where fairytales are made
Wayne Hemmingway, promising sunshine from 5.30pm onwards
From the farm
shaggin' wagon?
Original up-dos
One true diva
A stitch in time
Introducing Terry Shakira…
June 17, 2010
...the latest edition to The Eco Office, thanks to two lovely friends.
Three Freezing Days in Berlin
January 28, 2010
Tired of hearing myself utter the words “I really want to go to Berlin”, I set about ticking off my new years resolutions (get to Berlin, go out more, pay off credit card…errr) and unwittingly booked myself an impulsive, totally last minute unaffordable affordable trip.
However, stepping off the plane and into seriously arctic conditions, I was fast to think “Why did I do this?” Over the following three, bitter-cold days I found out why; I whole-heartedly love Berlin and couldn’t help wonder why i’d waited quite so long.
Wrapping up and venturing out, my long weekend was spent sight-seeing, sampling the local beer, visiting late night cafés and plenty or rather hip bars and clubs. So, I thought it only kind to share some of my finds, particularly the incredible restaurant Entweder Oder. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or drinks, Entweder Oder’s super friendly staff, delicious food and the coolest vibe make it by far one of the best places to kick-start your adventures.
Three days in freezing Berlin went something like this…
Thursday
We stayed at: a lovely little apartment in the heart of fashionable Prenzlauer Berg, that’s owned by British/German creative duo Mark and Heike.
We drank: cocktails and local beer at late night café Kani Mani which boasts a totally cool, authentic Berlin vibe and is perfectly placed on the famous Kastanienallee Strasse.
Friday
We walked: the route of the wall and saw the spot that marks Günter Litfin, the first person to be shot (at only 24) attempting to cross from West to East Berlin.
We defrosted at: the hippest bar in ‘Prenz L’berg’; Schwarz Sauer. Despite its thick smoky atmosphere, this is where cool girls and guys take up residence from morning ‘till, well, morning.
We ate at: Entweder Oder…the food, ambience and service was so good, we headed back for breakfast the following two days.
We made enemies at: Küntsliche Beat Mung bar. Cool décor, excellent tunes and sadly, totally unfriendly crowd.
Saturday
We saluted: the dead, at Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas (the Holocaust memorial) and carefully stepped through its terrifying break-your-neck-and-everything-else ice paths. Go in summer to experience this haunting yet amazing installation to its full effect.
We shopped at: vintage mecca Garage. Priced by the kilo, it’s needless to say I was in paradise and after loosing several hours, walked out with an entire bounty of leopard print for as little as 45 euros.
We pit-stopped at: a Louisiana themed hostel bar where we snacked to the soundtrack of the loudest American starting a heated debate. We made a sharp exit and hopped over to super cool bar/restaurant White Trash.
We practiced our German at: Café Oberwasser. After being handed a native-tongue menu and a ‘language’ book, we welcomed the surprise element to our evening, including the impromptu arrival of a four-piece jazz band. The perfect place for an authentic, romantic German experience – just make sure you can spend all evening there, you’ll need it.
We danced at: Klub der Republik. After a mission trying to find it, it turned out it was the bar we’d passed twenty minutes ago and said “hey, doesn’t that look cool?”
Sunday
We haggled at: Mauerpark fleamarket, Prenzlauer Berg. It didn’t go well. The old lady continued to rant incomprehensible German as we swiftly moved on.
We photographed: old cameras and the biggest collection of vintage boots I’ve ever seen. Like being in a once-loved-wonderland, ‘jaw dropping’ is the only description that cuts it.
We rushed: back to the airport, leaving just the way we arrived; catching the plane quite literally by the seat of our pants.
Addresses (with the underground (U bahn) or overground (S bahn) station you need).
Kani Mani, Kastanienallee 95, U2, Eberswalder Stasse.
Schwarz Sauer, Kastanienallee 13, U2, Eberswalder Stasse.
Entweder Oder, Oderberger Strasse 13, U2, Eberswalder Stasse.
Küntsliche BEATmung, Simon-Dach-Strasse 20, U1, S3, S5, S7, S9, S75 Warschauer Strasse (Friedrichshain district).
Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas (the Holocaust memorial), Cora-Berliner-Strasse U2, S1, S2, S26 Potzdamer Platz.
White Trash, Schoenhauser Allee 6-7, Mitte. (We walked from Rosa-Luxembourgplatz, but the U bahn closest is Schoenhauser Allee).
Café Oberwasser, Zionkirchstrasse 6, U8 Bernauer Strasse/M1 Zionkirchstrasse.
Klub der Republik, Pappelallee 81. U2, Eberswalder Strasse.
Flohmarkt am Mauerpark (Mauerpark fleamarket) Bernauer Strasse 63-64, Mitte, U2, Eberswalder Strasse.
Vintage boot shop as pictured below (so in awe, i forgot to take its name) Eberswalder Stasse, U2, Eberswalder Stasse.
The Amnesia I Will Never Forget
September 13, 2009
Arriving home at 7am yesterday, it really felt like a week in Ibiza had just melted into one as it completely flew by. However, I’m delighted to say that not only was it the best holiday of my life, it was also throughly a thirtieth to remember thanks to one incredible night; Cocoon at Amnesia.
A friend tipped me off on the night (and in particular, the amazing ex-Hip-Hop DJ Loco Dice) a few weeks before I was to jet off. Having said it was the best music he’d heard in twenty years, I couldn’t believe my luck that the the party landed on the evening of my birthday and new to the term ‘tech’ house (but not the music), I couldn’t wait to check it out. There also seemed to be a bit of a German theme on the actual night, between headlining DJ’s - Sven Väth, Tiefschwarz, Loco Dice, and five amazing new friends we met on our neighbouring balcony, who joined us to ‘make a party’.
We stepped through Amnesia’s doors at around 1am and straight into an already euphoric atmosphere. Essentially, what’s a huge warehouse space in the middle of a highway was illuminated with a spectrum of LED lights and the speakers were bursting with heart-shaking bass-soaked beats. From one am to six-thirty, not one of the eight of us left that dance floor and at around 5.30am, we were lucky enough to see the custom-built ‘robot’ my friend had missed only a few weeks before. Apparently the lazer-lit creation is famous the world over and favoured by DJ-of-the-moment David Guetta. After appearing to rise from the floor, levitate to beam luminous light rays through the crowds and jets of dry ice, I can see why. To say this was an experience doesn’t anywhere near hit the mark and the video below could sadly never quite substitute the real thing. Indeed, you really needed to be there and if you’re fast, you may well get the chance at one of the few remaining parties this year.
After a majorly disappointing We Love Space Sundays the evening before, I think it’s only fair i thank my friend for alerting me to the existence of Cocoon and indirectly being responsible for probably the best night of my life. Bring on Ibiza 2010.
London grinds to a snowy halt
February 2, 2009
There’s seven inches of crisp, cold snow outside my bedroom window. So what does that mean? London grinds to a halt.
Apparently, there are no buses, few tubes running and the majority of trains cancelled. But I wouldn’t know. Frankly, I’m still my pjs taking a couple of pictures of the beautiful, peaceful snow from my window – but can you spot the difference?
The End…of London’s club scene?
November 20, 2008
Following the announcement The End is to close in January 2009; the ill fate of four more London clubs has been sealed. Supposedly some of the glitziest clubs of London (and regular hang outs to C-list celebrities), Café Royal, Paper, Dolce and Chinawhite now add to the list of clubs to close.
In January this year, The Cross at Kings Cross shut its doors for a final time and the land was sold to property developers. With so many closures, it poses the question is London’s club scene dying a death? As a huge fan of house music and although not someone to frequent celeb haunts, I am saddened to hear that further clubs will be laid to rest. It would appear that once again, the land has been sold to property developers. To be precise, Israeli developer Alrov has signed a £90 million deal to renovate the site Café Royal has occupied for nearly 150 years into a decadent, exclusive hotel in a bid to restore glamour and luxury to the West End of London.
It has been reported that Paper, Dolce and Chinawhite are currently scouting for new locations but the historic Café Royal which has played host to people such as Oscar Wilde and Elizabeth Taylor will hand over its keys this coming January. To commemorate the London landmark coming to an end, Café Royal are hosting a Grand Finale on 16th December that promises a ‘glittering charity Christmas ball’. Tickets cost £84.50 plus VAT and can be bought here.
Thankfully, it seems The Egg at Kings Cross has no plans to close and with few destinations left in the heart of London for late night (and early morning) clubbing, I will be fully supporting London’s remaining club scene for as long as my love of house music continues to grow.
If you too have an opinion on London’s club scene, it would be great to hear your thoughts. Feel free to post your comments here or email them to clare@tinker-tailor-soldier-sailor.co.uk.
January 2009 - Set to be a sad time for London clubbers
Sun, sand and Salinas – where I’m watching the sun set on my 20s
October 1, 2008
Last month, a few good friends and I ‘jet-setted’ off to the white isle of Ibiza to wave good-bye to one of our 20s and embrace the 30s with open arms. A recommendation of the absolutely beautiful restaurant Cap D’es Falco, Las Salinas was partially responsible for my friend having a 30th to indeed, remember.
It was a bit of a hike off the beaten path to get there and going purely on a recommendation from said valued (but quite new) friend, there was a point when we thought we’d joined a Spanish wild goose chase and wondered if there’d ever been any chance of making our way back to catch our impending flight home.
Arriving at the restaurant around seven pm in the misleadingly and badly PR’d party capital, Cap D’es Falco’s white canopy’s billowed out across the most tranquil of settings. Here’s a tip; do what we would have done if we had know the beauty of the location and simply spend the whole day there. With comfortable double bed sun loungers beckoning (at a little indulgent but affordable 10-15 euros each), it’s very own beach and stunning views – it’s the perfect place to take you from dawn to dusk. And, at only ten minutes drive from the airport, not only is it the ideal place to bid farewell on a final night, but the perfect setting to watch the most idyllic of sunsets accompanied by jets slowly passing the melting sun. The photographs by my friend and talented photographer say it all.
So the food? It simply added to the impressive views and locations and didn’t disappoint. The fact that by 9pm, the restaurant was full to capacity and turning people away spoke for itself. Coming in at an affordable forty euros per head for a divine meal accompanied by soothingly soulful tracks, views of a delicately blazing sunset and surrounded by good friends; Salinas is where I will be setting the sun on my very own 20s.
Cap d’es Falco, Playa d’es Codolar. Salinas, Ibiza. +34 650 817 987
Photographs courtesy of Laura Perkins.
