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26 What happened when the snowgirl fell out with the snowboy She gave him the cold shoulder ! December Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Travel SUN vs SNOW Okay, so, it’s that time of year again when old Jack Frost comes out to play and you start craving that winter break. So you pick up that travel magazine and find yourself flicking through wondering exactly which destination would satisfy your need for a holiday. But first you must ask yourself what type of holiday you are craving. Do you simply want to flop on a beach somewhere or head out into the mountains and feel that cool winter air in your hair Once you have answered this question you can go searching for that dream winter break. Still deciding what you would prefer Well we have the low down on the best and worse bits of each type of holiday. I used to love nothing more than imagining myself sweating it out on one of the sun beds pictured in one of the glossy brochures and doing nothing to my heart’s content. But this year I got the chance to go on a skiing holiday with my family and absolutely LOVED it. So this has now put a spanner in the works when I came to choose my winter break this year. Do I want to sit on that amazing white sandy beach, smell the fresh sea salt air and chill Now this option is tempting, as after the stress of the year you can do as little as you want and completely unwind. Have a relaxing swim in the cool, calm waters, basking in the sun and finally enjoying fine exotic food before going to sleep in the warm evening’s air. For one of the BEST destinations to spend your winter break we looked at New Zealand and why this should be your winter destination! Christmas down under, doesn’t sound like it could get any better does it However, you could be craving that rush of excitement as you go whizzing down a slope whilst taking in the gorgeous mountain scenery. That heart beating moment as you feel your skis/board hit the snow for the first time, hearing the crunch of fresh snow under your feet on your first run of the day is definitely a sound worth hearing. Finally the grin you have at the end when you realise you have just come down that slope and queue up to get back on that chair lift to have another go. Or half way through the day stopping of at a mountainside cafe and drinking a luxurious hot chocolate, mixing the warm drink with the cool winter air is a feeling you don’t forget in a hurry. So we are looking at one of Italy’s top ski resorts - St Caterina. With more than skiing to offer, we show you why snow is the place to be this Christmas. It might be snowing and cold outside but ask yourself, what would you rather be doing this Christmas Lying around in the sun chilling out or up on your feet doing something different and totally exciting So are you ready to answer the question Sun or Snow Sophie Davies SUN New Zealand as a winter holiday destination is almost perfect. It has a similar summer climate to Britain and switches between bright sunshine and torrential rain. This lessens the sensation that you are thousands of miles away from rainy old Britain yet the high temperatures, even during rain showers, definitely give you the feeling that you’re on holiday at an exotic destination. You get a wonderful sense of Christmas from the decorations and lights without the discomfort of shopping for presents in wind and rain and, if Britain is really unfortunate, snow. When I visited New Zealand I was seeing family that I’d not seen for roughly 8 years. It was quite a while ago, when I was 11, but I still remember it clearly. There was nothing better, and has been nothing better, than on Christmas Day, after opening presents, lying in the sun reading some of the books I had gotten. I spent the majority of that winter holiday in paddling pools and wandering through forests in shorts and light tops. I explored a lot of the North Island that winter. Touring the Island in a camper van we slept somewhere new every night and visited some of New Zealand’s most famous areas. Of note were the thermal beaches, where if you arrive at the right time you can dig a hole in the sand and watch it fill with hot water before climbing in and enjoying a natural hot b at h . Unfortunately we visited at high tide and couldn’t dig but the sights and the sun were fantastic and enjoyable, despite my having food poisoning at the time. We later visited the hot springs that had been formed into swimming pools, beside a gorgeous sandy beach. That Boxing Day was also incredibly memorable; swimming in a sparkling blue warm sea and playing in the sand before toddling off to the hot springs nearby to wash off the sand and enjoy a soak in warm water. There is something so luxurious about the idea of spending December in summer clothing. That feeling of luxury and decadence of being in summer clothes during what should be winter is why I highly recommend sunny holidays as a winter break. Plus… who wants to be chilly at the most wonderful time of the year Nicole Nally Chillaxing on the beach or by the pool! Snowball fights anyone Sun Tan! Outdoor hot tubs! Tones of preparation for the ultimate bikini body Wearing a big coat, scarf and hat 98% of the time Sun burn and peeling skin! SNOW I would choose snow over sun everytime. I am a ski lover. I have been skiing since the age of 11 and have never looked backed. I recently qualified as a ski instructor which has made my passion for skiing even stronger and I have been lucky enough to ski in some of the world’s hotspots, including teaching in Australia at Perisher Blue Ski Resort. However my favourite resort closer to home is St Caterina in Italy. This stunning resort offers tourists so much to do, not just skiing and snowboarding. This was the first ski resort I ever went to, so from experience I can say I have never been more impressed than I was with their ski school. All Italian born and bred the ski instructors are welcoming and friendly and make you do very fun yet crazy things! So even if you’re a beginner, giving skiing or snowboarding a try for the first time, I would advise booking for a lesson with the ski school. Offers are regularly changing so it is worth keeping an eye out. St Caterina also offers a wide variety of ability slopes. With a numerous amount of blue slopes (low difficulty) it is bound to keep those beginners busy learning the skills needed for more challenging slopes. However, for those of you ready for more challenging slopes, there are 27km of red slopes (medium difficulty) which stretch out across the resort. These red slopes are at a variety of heights up in the glacier. If you’re looking for a nice long run, you can stick to red runs from the top until the end. But if you’re feeling really adventurous and fancy adding in some black runs (high difficulty) this can really open up so many options for the adventurous skier/snowboarder. Black runs pop up next to red runs so they are easy to find and if you are struggling and would prefer to finish on a red run, they are easy to get off. St C a t e r i n a also offers a good amount of off piest ‘riding’. This gives you the chance to really go out and explore. However if you have had a good morning in the snow and want to relax in the afternoon, St Caterina can cater for those needs as well, with the majority of hotels offering outdoor hot tubs that are perfect to relax in. Or you can sit in one of the resorts many cafes and enjoy the views or watch fellow skiers or snowboarders enjoying their time. But if you’re not done for the afternoon there is also a very popular ice rink which is perfect for all the family. So this winter head out to the beautiful mountainside and experience something new and exciting. Spending your Christmas in the snow could not be any more perfect. Rowena Nathan Goggle tan (not sexy)!
27 December Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Travel As you can see this time, my throw was a little off centre. So for this issue’s dart destination were heading off to the exotic sights and sounds of... MEXICO! It’s time for this issue’s... Dart Destination Mexico is a dream destination for some, though for others it wouldn’t be their first choice. However, I myself have been to Mexico and loved every second I spent there. It is a beautiful country with many things to see and do, and in 2005 was ranked the 7th most popular tourist destination in the world. If it’s real culture you’re looking for head to the capital, Mexico City, where this ancient Meso-American city is filled with amazing attractions like the Pyramids of the Sun and the the Moon. Other tourist sites include the La Zona Rosa, a neighborhood within Mexico City, which is known for its fantastic shopping and nightlife. Other shopping hot spots include the El Palenque and El Zocalo, (one of the largest public plazas in the world) where you can get anything from authentic rugs to that all important sombrero. The city is also home to the Acapulo’s Plaza de toros Mexico – the world’s largest bullring. So, if you fancy an evening with a difference, pop along to witness one of the worlds most interesting sports. However, if it is a bit of adventure you want why not try a tour with a difference Vallarta Adventures offer a Swinging Canopy tours which is not for those afriad of heights. You will glide from treetop to treetop while a guide explains the ecosystem below. Only costing you $65 for adults and $33 for children, this is a tour you will never forget. But if heights aren’t your thing why not try diving into the deep at Arrecife Palancar. This under-water paradise lies less than a mile off the Cozumel coast and offers 230-foot visibility – perfect for underwater photography. The deepest area of Arrecife Palancar is 80-feet deep – which is ideal for deep-diving among the colorful marine life. So remember - practice your spanish, pick up your Mexican Peso’s and do your research before you go so you can make the most out of your time in this unforgettable country. Rowena Nathan Top 5 Sights of Mexico 1. Dia de Muertos –In November the Dia de Muertos festival culminates with a parade of masked skeletons and fireworks. Mexico is a sea of elaborate wreaths, candles, silk flowers and edible treats made into skulls, coffins and bones all to commemorate the souls of loved ones that have deceased. 2. The Sun Pyramids and Moon Pyramids – Situated on the outskirts of Mexico City these amazing structures are just waiting to be explored. You can climb up both pyramids for a spectacular view over Mexico. These stunning architectural pieces were the second largest manmade structure on Earth until the 1920’s. 3. The Plunge at La Quebrada – Cliff divers aim to wow the crowds at La Quebrada’s 30-meter cliffs when they dive into the narrow ocean cove below. You can get a front row view of the divers from the terrace at Plaza Las Glorias El Mirador Hotel or from the hotel restaurant and bar - La Perla. 4. See Red at a Bullfight – From December through to March, traditional Mexican bullfights, called ‘Fiesta Brava’ are held weekly at Acapulo’s Plaza de Toros. One of the different sights to see in Mexico, this is something not to miss. Tickets can be purchased for $17 to $40. 5. The Malecón –This waterfront boardwalk is adorned with art and sculptures from world renowned Mexican artists and traces the entire length of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Walk along the sea front with your toes in the sand and experiance the hive of activity that The Malecon has to offer, which includes a grand outdoor amphitheatre where busker festivals, folklore dances and live concerts take place daily. Top 5 places to eat in Mexico 1. Le Kliff Restaurant & Bar - Perched cliff side in Perto Vallarta is Le Kliff, is a mammoth palapa (thatched roof) restaurant. Le Kliff has received many accolades including mention in The Guinness Book of World Records for having the ‘World’s Largest Palapa’. Le Kliff serves tender delights from the ocean below such as tequila shrimp, blackened fish and juicy filet mignon. 2. Casa Fuerte – When fashion designer Irene Pulos turned her trendy clothing showroom into Guadalajara’s hottest patio café, Casa Fuerte, she didn’t anticipate an equally hot set of diners. Casa Fuerte draws heat from its spicy Mexican cuisine. 3. El Olvido – overlooks a stunning vista of Acapulo Bay on its elegant openair terrace. El Olvido is pricy, but worth the view alone; not to mention entrees of juicy quail and tender sea bass topping the menu. 4. Festival of San Lucas – On March 8th, every year, Cabo San Lucas hosts an elaborate 11-day festival in honour of the city’s Patron Saint – St. Joseph. The ‘feastivity’ centered in downtown Cabo San Lucas features carnivals and parades, but food vendors will tantalise your taste buds with fresh made tamales and tacos. 5.Tamalli - Specializes in authentic Mexican City tamales. Tamalli’s is a take-out only eatery whipping up traditional corn dough pockets, filled with your choice of savory or sweet fillings and wrapped in corn husks then steamed to perfection. Famous tamales include sweet brown beans and pineapple, chicken, potato, pork, vegetarian, curry or beef. Where is Mexico Mexico is located between North and South America, and sits on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico; which means you’ll be near to some gorgeous beaches. Since it is in such a great location you can expand your holiday by popping either over the border and discovering some of the sights North America has to offer or head South and realise the potentional of South America. With its wild jungles and individual culture either side of Mexico has a lot to offer. You can get to Mexico in around 12 hours, taking a direct flight to the main airport ‘Cancun’. There are a good variety of well known and reliable airlines that fly there, these may include the well known ‘British Airways’. However, other good respectable airlines include; ‘American Airways’, ‘Virgin Atlantic’ and many more. However if you are looking for a cheaper deal, book early and make sure you shop around and you may find a less popular airline such as ‘AirFrance’ will give you a great deal. Flying to Mexico you can also opt for an in-direct flight, which if you dont care about the time it takes you to get there and your interested in saving some money this could be a great option. By making a stop over you can redcuce the price down by one hundred pounds plus.
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