Solent Events & Leisure

23/08/2024

IN NEED OF A LAST MINUTE UK HOLIDAY? (3-places left)
Then please join us to DEVON, DAWLISH & DARTMOUTH on 30 September (5-days)
Waiting for the summer holiday crowds to disperse? We have the perfect UK Short Break just or you!
We have 1 x twin/double & 1 x single left for our fully-escorted, exclusive tour to DEVON, DAWLISH & DARTMOUTH, by Luxury Coach.
Staying at the historic, 4* Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish, we will be making the most of our visit to Devon, with an exciting itinerary of included excursions.
So if you fancy betting that we're in for an Indian Summer again this year, why not have a peep at the full details on the Solent Events website:
https://www.solentevents.co.uk/.../devon-dawlish-dartmouth/

WE'RE ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO SOME WINTER SUN IN PORTUGUESE CAPE VERDE for 13-days in mid-January 2025
if you've never been to these idyllic little islands, don't miss the chance to join us - just like the Caribbean, but nearer!
https://www.solentevents.co.uk/hol.../cape-verde-winter-sun/

16/08/2024

*JUST RELEASED*
LAKE BLED & SOUTHERN AUSTRIA
09 May 2025 - 8 days
Another Exclusive Solent Events Spring Tour!
Lakes, Mountains, Castles, Caves, Spectacular Scenery Scheduled Flights, Airport Lounge 4* Lakeside Hotel, ALL Lakeview Rooms, ALL Excursions, ALL Entry Fees, Guides, ALL Transport, Half-Board, Local Wine/Cheese, Personal Es**rt from start to finish.
Luxury coach to airport with only 4 local pick-ups: Stokes Bay, Lee on the Solent, Stubbington & Fareham

For full details, itinerary & booking form please go to:
https://www.solentevents.co.uk/holidays/lake-bled/
Life's too short to ponder .... SO JUST DO IT!
(Twin, Double, Single & Sharer places are still available, but selling fast!)

09/08/2024

☆ OUR LIVE THEATRE TRIPS ARE BACK FOR THE AUTUMN! ☆ (Availability Update as at Friday 16August)
The Mill at Sonning Dinner Theatre
Only 4 pickups at: Stokes Bay; Lee on the Solent; Stubbington & Fareham

*Sunday 08 September*
BOURNE AGAIN SHADOWS
Only 3 places left! (As at 16/08)
www.solentevents.co.uk/theatre_trips/bourne-again-shadows/

*Saturday 26 October*
THE WHISTLING
Only 6 places left! (As at 16/08)
www.solentevents.co.uk/theatre_trips/the-whistling/

Our luxury coach parks immediately outside this beautiful countryside theatre, so no walking! Delicious 2-course Lunch or Dinner with coffee included. Best centre stalls seats.
BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY!

For our Newsletter, details of our exclusively organised and personally escorted Away-Days, Short Breaks & Holidays, check out our website, then share with your friends:
www.solentevents.co.uk

08/07/2024

Fed up with this year's summer already? Perhaps we'll get another India Summer instead ........!

07/07/2024

DEVON, DAWLISH & DARTMOUTH in September
Waiting for the summer holiday crowds to disperse? We have the perfect UK Short Break just or you!
There are just FIVE places left for our fully-escorted tour to DEVON, DAWLISH & DARTMOUTH in September.
Staying at the historic, 4* Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish, to make the most of our visit to Devon, we have an exciting itinerary of excursions lined up.
So if you fancy betting that we're n for an Indian Summer again this year, why not have a peep at the full details on the Solent Events website:
https://www.solentevents.co.uk/short_breaks/devon-dawlish-dartmouth/
WINTER SUN IN PORTUGUESE CAPE VERDE
Whilst you're browsing the Solent Events website, you might also fancy looking at some warm WINTER SUN in January to really put those winter blues behind you! We're off to CAPE VERDE for 13-days in mid-January 2025 - so if you've never been to these idyllic little islands, don't miss the chance to join us in January 2025.......
https://www.solentevents.co.uk/holidays/cape-verde-winter-sun/

25/06/2024

ENJOYING THE SUMMER NOW ITS ARRIVED?
If so, you could also have some more summer in JANUARY - but without the draining humidity!

Sunday 12 January 2025 - 12nights/13-days
To get away from the inevitable cold, damp UK winter, we're off to CAPE VERDE for some more WINTER SUN! We loved the islands of Sal & Santiago so much in January this year, that we just cannot resist going again - this time to Sao Vicente & Sal, so why not join us?
Staying in two beautiful 4* hotels, on two spectacular islands, plus an optional day on the island of Santa Antao, you will be enthralled with the pace of life and the warm, dry all-year-round climate with January temperatures of around 25°/29°C and balmy evenings of 20°C, which makes for a very pleasant, comfortable holiday destination!
This year we'll start off in Lisbon, on mainland Portugal, for 2-days of city culture, then jet off to wall to wall sunshine, a cooling breeze and miles of golden sandy beaches in the Portuguese archipelago that makes up Cape Verde. Not only will you think you're in the Caribbean, you'll feel you're in heaven!

With luxury transport to the airport, TAP scheduled flights, the comfort of an airport lounge and wonderful hotels, this fully-escorted, no-hassle holiday/tour will be 'just the ticket' after the Christmas Festivities (sorry!), in the depths of winter!

Whether you travel solo (we have sharers if required!), as a couple or with friends, you can find out all about this exclusive Winter Sun Holiday on the Solent Events website at:
https://www.solentevents.co.uk/holidays/cape-verde-winter-sun/

So what's it going to be in 2025? Some WINTER SUN in CAPE VERDE in January OR an amazing, 'once-in-a-lifetime' trip to the GALAPAGOS ISLANDS in March?
https://www.solentevents.co.uk/holidays/galapagos-islands/

Go on ..... really treat yourself. You definitely deserve it!

Photos from our Cape Verde trip to the islands of Santiago & Sal in January 2024 and a few of The Galapagos Islands in 2019!

21/06/2024

CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ADVENTURE TO THE AMAZING 'GALAPAGOS ISLANDS'!
10-days from Friday 14 March 2025

Please join our small local group of like-minded travellers on this truly memorable, holiday of a lifetime! Only 4-pickups: Gosport, Lee-on-the Solent, Stubbington & Fareham.

It's hassle-free & stress-free, as we do absolutely everything for you - all you have to do is PACK!

You cannot get closer to nature, anywhere else in the world!
WALK amongst seal lions, iguanas, blue-foot bo***es; flamingoes; SWIM with turtles, penguins & rays; ADMIRE short-eared owls, frigates, storm petrels, finches, flightless cormorants, pelicans & 12,000 pairs of waved Albatrosses onthe island of Espanola!

Cruise the islands of the Galapagos on a small luxury ship accomodating just 16-guests and 9-crew! Walk in the steps of Charles Darwin and wonder at the Giant Tortoises and wall to wall wildlife! Go on, treat yourself - you deserve it!

For full details of this Bucket List Adventure, please go to:
https://www.solentevents.co.uk/holidays/galapagos-islands/

05/06/2024

This article in the Group Leisure Magazine may be of interest to you, especially if you joined us to Borneo in April!
We now look forward to more exciting long haul adventures in 2025 to Cape Verde, the Galapagos Islands and Japan!
www.solentevents.co.uk

GTO Lin Wilson of Solent Events & Leisure/On Tour shares their exciting group adventure to Borneo.

30/05/2024

Oh what a lovely day we've had on the river and at the Castle in Windsor! We didn't get wet either - not until leaving the Doll's House at the end of our day that is ....... and it was only for a 10-minute walk back to the coach through the Royal Windsor Railway Station!
There were so many highlights to enjoy, especially for those who had never visited Windsor Castle before, including for our lovely Portuguese driver, Viktor. I'm sure they were made even more special with the lovely weather we had.
Gareth and his crew on the Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company's 'Georgian' were a really friendly, happy bunch and went out of their way to serve us a delicious hot Gammon & Beef Carvery along with a dessert of Forest Berry Crumble & Custard, a glass of wine and hot coffee. Catering for 45 with both quality and efficiency doesn't get much better than this these days, I can tell you! An excellent company with excellent food and great service . Thank you Gareth!
Gliding along the Thames past pretty - and not so pretty canal boats (!), stunning houses and gorgeous countryside was a real tonic for us all, and although it was not quite so peaceful at Windsor Castle with it being their busiest day so far this year with over 10,000 visitors, we just loved it!
It was also a big surprise to see the Union Flag that had been flying when we on the river, changed to the Royal Standard just as we arrived at the Castle, meaning the King had also arrived! He probably knew we were there but was a bit busy to welcome us personally!
As it happens, the queue to pass Queen Elizabeth II's Resting Place was moving at a decent pace, so we could view other famous tombs as we went and the number of people did not affect another highlight, as luckily we had a private room booked for refreshments and an excellent talk with slide show by guide Helen, followed by a viewing of Queen Mary's Doll's House, all to ourselves!
Then, for the perfect end to a perfect day, a Prosecco Cream Tea was served on the coach, helped by a very willing 'waiter/driver' Viktor plus regular clients, Patsie & Hilary, so a big thank you for making my life so easy with your smiley, efficient assistance!
Watch this space and on the website for more historical/royal Away-Days later in the year and early 2025!
www.solentevents.co.uk

30/05/2024

After a thrilling Mystery Tour last week, 'The Wonders of Windsor' await our excited Solent Events clients today as we embark on a Thames River Cruise with a Roast Lunch included, visit the state appartments of Windsor Castle and the resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, plus, as it's the centenerary year of Queen Mary's famous Doll's House, we'll be enjoying complimentary refreshments with a Private Talk & Tour during our visit!
It's going to be a very special day for many of us, but a wee bit sad too, as this will be the last Solent Events Away-Day before the summer holidays kick in next month, when we have a rest until late August/September!
www.solentevents.co.uk

23/05/2024

And the Mystery Day goes on ..... through country lanes, up hills and down dales ... with amusing stories from our knowledgeable guide Frances .... to the pretty village of Bramber and a delicious 2-course lunch at the Castle Inn Hotel.
With coffee behind us, we had a short walk in the sunshine to the historic St Mary's House & Gardens - so pretty in the May sun .... and no-one had known about this little gem, let alone visited it, which is always a bonus with Mystery Tour!
Our next mystery destination was also a 1st for everyone .... the imposing Lancing College Chapel, perched on the slopes of the South Downs at Lancing, with beautiful 360° views of sea and countryside.
After an interesting introduction to the chapel and college by Andrew the verger, we were taken down into the enormous crypt for more insights into the incredible architecture of this amazing building.
With such lovely views, it was also the ideal spot for our Prosecco Cream Tea, before heading back through Storrington, Steyning and Amberley and the dreaded A27 homebound.
No one actually guessed the destinations but as we did glide through Chichester & Arundel, a random selection in our 'Guess Where we're Going' Competition, the prize today went to Tessa! Congratulations - a bit nearer than most guesses!
The sun stayed with us all day for our variety of destinations .... so all in all - the perfect MayvAway-day!
Our next Mystery Tour will be in September. See you there!
www.solentevents.co.uk

23/05/2024

Roll up for our exciting May Mystery Tour TODAY!
Our first quick stop from Fareham was to pick-up our Sussex guide, Frances, by the Festival Theatre at Chichester. From there, Frances amusingly guided us via pretty country roads for a scenic tour and a drive thru the historic town of Arundel for great sights of the castle and the cathedral.
Our first destination and stop was for coffee & biscuits in the waterside Arun View Inn, situated in the birth place of the 'real' James Bond and where the 2012 Okympic Torch was manufactured .... Littlehampton!
"Where to next?" everyone's now asking! Lunch, actually!

11/05/2024

It's a very busy Saturday at London Gatwick Airport S this morning ..... and apparently, 'birds' are causing havoc with one of the planes too!
I'm taking the 'office' to one of my favourite places - the lakes and mountains of Southern Austria, hoping for a relaxing week with Austrian friends in Villach .... and catching my breath, after tours to Cape Verde, India, Borneo & Krakow, since January ..... and before some Spring Away-Days - the May Mystery Tour (23 May), Wonders of Windsor (30 May) and our early June Club-21 Lunch!
Keep in touch, as you won't even know I've gone!!
www.solentevents.co.uk

02/05/2024

KRAKOW is certainly going to be a Short Break to remember on the Solent Events Calendar! Sadly we're on the final part of our journey home .... but there was a nice surprise at LHR to pick us up - Greg our 'Polish' driver!
Of course the weather really was the icing on the cake ...... especially being able to eat & drink 'al fresco' during the day and late into the evening. The food was delicious. The people were very friendly and very efficient and everywhere we went was noticeably clean and tidy. They were even re-painting white lines and zebra crossings at 9.30pm. Unbelievable - you wouldn't see that here!
Visits to Auschwitz, Birkenau & Schindlers List Factory Museum were very sombre experiences, but very necessary. Everyone was glad they went to pay their repsects and learn of the dreadful atrocities that we hoped would never happen again.
Perhaps we'll venture back to Poland again the future to explore other regions and especially the countryside and mountains.
A BIG thank you once again to Tony & Lisa of Success Tours for arranging yet another wonderful tour with a great local guide, Aleksandria and a superb centrally situated, modern hotel!
Here are some more photos for you to enjoy, from various members of our group:

After a hectic few months, out next Solent Events adventure will be to Andalusia in September, cruising the rivers of Southern Spain - along the Guadalquivir River, to include Cordoba, Granada & Seville, but we only have ONE twin/double cabin left, so are YOU interested in joining us for some Spanish fun in the sun?
https://www.solentevents.co.uk/holidays/andalusian-river-cruise/

30/04/2024

Krakow in the sun is absolutely beautiful! Since arriving on Sunday lunchtime we have collectively enjoyed a guided city orientation tour to get our bearings on arrival and the amazing Wieliczka Salt Mines, just 1/2 hr from the city centre.
The rest of the time, the group has split up into little groups of 2, 4 or 6 to do their own thing, sharing photos & experiences daily, on Whatsapp.
Krakow boasts so many interesting places to visit with its 'buzz', but a bit of sun in the Spring, to show off the numerous trees & flowers in bloom, is extra special!
The group have gone off to Auschwitz & Birkenhau today, but as I was there last year, I'll be joining another guest for a Hop-on-Hop-Off bus, a gondola river cruise and hopefully, a Sky Bar!
Here's a pocket full of Krakow in pictures, taken by me and various members of the group, so far:

27/04/2024

AND we're off to London's Heathrow Airport again!
The beautiful city of KRAKOW is calling us for an exciting 4-day Short Spring Break very early tomorrow morning ..... and would you believe, the weather is going to be hot & sunny! Yippee!!
Krakow is expected to be 24 degrees when we arrive, going up to around 27 degrees for the remaining 3-days - so it's going to be hot & sunny .... suitcase packing definitely needs a re-think!
Besides having a guided City Orientation Tour to get our bearings on arrival, we also have an included 1/2-day tour to the famous Wieliczka Salt Mines on Monday and optional tours to Auschwitz/Birkenhau Memorial Museum and the Schindlers List Factory Museum on Tuesday & Wednesday - so pretty full-on, but we will see and experience sooo much.
Much of our FREE TIME and the evenings will no doubt be spent in the City's Town Square (Rynek Główny), which is just an 8-minute walk to the gates of the historical Old Town from our hotel, the 'Puro Stare Miasto'.
This lively 40,000 sqft area boasts a blend of restaurants, museums, bars, shops, hotels & historical landmarks, surrounding some of the most magnificent architecture in the city. It normally has a market going on at some time or other too.
As getting around Krakow is so cheap & easy on the tram & bus system, a visit further afield to Wawel Castle on the river will be a must-see - and with such a good weather forecast, the 10-Sky Bar/Restaurants of Krakow may also get a visit too!
www.solentevents.co.uk

26/04/2024

We still have a Spring in our step at Solent Events, as we gallop into May next week! After a wonderful evening at The Mill at Sonning for Calendar Girls yesterday, 20 of our Club-21 members enjoyed another superb lunch at the Anglesey Hotel in Alverstoke, marking the 74th Bi-monthly local lunch since 2009!
The Anglesey Hotel was also the restaurant from where, amazingly, we managed to have our Covid 'Lockdown Lunch' - delivered individually to our doors by Ray Bezani & his excellent team - because of course, although we'd booked the restaurant we weren't alloowed out, so they came to us!!
Although we try somewhere different each time, it's getting more difficult finding somewhere that we've not experienced before that boasts great service AND great food, so we're having to go back to some old favourites.
It all started it all started in November 2009 to help out new and struggling eateries in the Gosport & Fareham area. Guilt pangs were felt by taking clients OUT of the area for our trips & tours, so I thought we should put something back into some of our struggling and new local eateries, - and it worked!
Starting in November 2009 on the water at The Lightship, Gosport with just 13 members, we have over 15-years, frequented some wonderful establishments such as Greens & Kutis in Wickham; Lauro's & Avenue 141 in Fareham; The Alverbank, Alverstoke and The Bun Penny, LOS to name but a few. With special Festive Lunches tarvelled to by luxury coach, we have ventured out to: Lainston House, Basingstoke; Chewton Glen, Careys Manor and the Balmer Lawn Hotel in the New Forest and this December we're really pushing the boat out with an exciting private Festive Lunch at Amberley Castle in Sussex!
Why not check out the 74 restaurants we've visited for some ideas for YOUR next meal out! https://www.solentevents.co.uk/away-days/club-21-members-bi-monthly-lunch/

24/04/2024

Oh what a night!!!
Laughter and tears summed up our visit to the fabulous Mill at Sonning Dinner Theatre last night for the Charity Gala performance of CALENDAR GIRLS.
We all know the story is based on raising money for a 'hospital settee' in memory of John Baker who died of cancer in 1998. From this true story, a film and numerous musicals have been produced, but this was an exceptional performance by some brilliant actors and in the company of some favourite TV stars sitting alongside us in the audience. It was funny. It was sad.
AND it was just the excuse we needed to raise more cash for Cancer UK Research!
So a really BIG thank to everyone on our coach who dug deep into their pockets to collect over £150, to add to the £45 donated with special ticket sales in Febuary, making a fantastic grand total of £200, which has now been received by the charity (see receipt below!).
It was also St George's Day, so the Mill at Sonning took the opportunity to raise cash for their special charity, The George Hatfield Foundation. George Hatfield, an aspiring drama student, was tragicaly the youngest-ever to die of Oesophageal Cancer in 2020, at the age of 21.
Along with George's parents, eight students from the foundation also attended the performance, conspicuous by selling raffle tickets to the 215 strong audience. The funds raised on this evening will go towards helping the next round of theatrical arts students.
It was certainly a night to remember and a night that will hopefully benefit not only the George Hatfield Foundation studnets but also cancer patients throughout the UK.

Our next visit to the Mill at Sonning Dinner Theatre is in September for BOURNE AGAIN SHADOWS - please join us! We currently have just 10 places available
www.solentevents.co.uk/https://www.solentevents.co.uk/theatre_trips/bourne-again-shadows/

17/04/2024

** STOP PRESS **
CALENDAR GIRLS is currently showing at the Mill at Sonning Dinner Theatre, near Reading!
We at Solent Events & Leisure will be there next week, on Tuesday 23 April, to not only support this beautiful theatre, but also to raise some much needed cash for Cancer UK.
We all know the story, but if you haven't yet experienced this wonderful, fun filled, tear-jerking play by Tim Firth, or you have, but would like to see it again, don't delay, book your place TODAY!
We have just 5 places left - and for each place sold, Solent Events will be giving £5 to Cancer UK. Only £125pp inclusive
https://www.solentevents.co.uk/theatre_trips/calendar-girls
Or contact Lin 07977 065885

Price includes:
Luxury coach to The Mill at Sonning
Pre-theatre 2-course Dinner with coffee
BEST, centre theatre seats
Personal itinerary
Glass of wine & nibbles
Solent Events Es**rt/Hostess
Lots of fun!

15/04/2024

It's not quite the end of our fabulous Borneo holiday adventure, as we are currently on a night flight back to the UK - around 13 hours, but with FREE WI-FI for a change .... fantastic! We're homebound with Malaysian Airlines, who I would highly recommend .... and with two short internal flights too, they were brilliant. How they manage to serve peanuts, a drink and a tasty lunch on a 55 minute flight, is amazing!
So here we are .... photos of our lazy last 3-days at the beautiful 5* Shangri La Rasa Resort at Kota Kinabalu. It was just what we needed after the excitement, early mornings and intensive humidity of the jungle!
AND .... we did manage to see the BIG 5 of Borneo, which the guides said is pretty unusual .... Orangutans, Pribiscus Monkeys, Crocodiles, Hornbills and the illusive Pigmy Elephant! Wow!
We're back home tomorrow, when it'll be all systems go again ....... Calendar Girls at the Mill at Sonning Dinner Theatre on 23 April (just 4 places left!); Club-21 Members Lunch at the Anglesey Hotel on 25 April and a 4-day Short Break to Krakow on 28 April (sold out). I can't wait!
For details and booking forms go to our website at:
www.solentevents.co.uk

14/04/2024

Sadly, there's only a few hours left at this little paradise in Kota Kinabablu, Borneo before we head home via Kuala Lumpur.
A few more hours to relax by the beach or pool, swim and have a lazy lunch in spectacular surroundings.
With fond memories of our last Jungle retreat - at the impressive Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley, I share more of our exciting time there before coming for a rest here on the coast ..... starting with some more Orangutans!

13/04/2024

We're making the most of our last full day in Borneo, soaking up the coastal sunshine, by joining in some of the activities at our Shangri-La Rasa Ria Hotel Resort, by taking to the water on a catamaran or kayak, having a spa treatment or two or just swimming & relaxing!
It'll be back to our normal, dreary UK weather and everyday chores Monday afternoon, so we're definitely making the most of it!
Memories of last week in the jungle will stay forever .... the isolated Lodges, the river exploration cruises by day & night, the variety of wild animals, mammals & reptiles spotted, the huge insects & butterflies and the colourful birds - all experienced in the hottest, most humid weather conditions since our tour yo Peru, on the Amazon, in 2017!
If course we will also remember our wonderful local guides .... Kugan, Leo, Loy, Nicholas & Redwine, who were always on the look out for any 'movement' that could result in a sighting!
Please enjoy a collection of our jungle photos at Sepilok, Sandakan; Abai; Sukau and the Danum Valley. More to follow!

12/04/2024

I just had to share this beautiful sunset & Pina Colada with you!
29° of heaven at the Sampan Beach Bar, Kota Kinabalu by the South China Sea in Borneo!

12/04/2024

Now we have wifi all day & night, plus some welcome time to relax by the beach - at Kota Kinabalu, the spotlight is on memories of our 2-nights in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur ....... the specatular Twin Towers, the KL Tower & Lewis Hamilton Petronas Car, the 118 Tower, World Peace Monument, Kings Palace, Independence Square, Old Cubhouse & Cricket Pitch (where we saw the locals get ready to break their Ramadam Fast), China Town, Little India, Batik House & the Batu Caves ..... before embarking on a 5-night Jungle adventure from Sandakan in Borneo ....! It was a very exciting few days!

04/04/2024

We've now arrived, by Malaysia Airlines, in a very hot & humid Kuala Lumpur, landing at 0620 a whole 1-hr earlier than scheduled! As far as long-haul economy flights go, it was a really comfortable flight (albeit with some buying extra legroom seats) and the service was great.
KL airport is really big, being a hub, and with the arrivals area in another terminal, we had a never-ending walk thru the shopping area before getting on a transfer bus, not knowing where the bus was taking us!!
All was well though ..... and we were through passport control & baggage very quickly.
Unbeknown to us, our hotel check in time at the Ramada Suites Hotel in Kyala Lumpur city was houng to be 3pm, so unfortunately we had several hours to kill, when all we wanted was a room and a shower!
We did stop for a coffee en route though, which eliminated about an hour, but then, on arrival, 3 rooms were ready which was great for some, but not for others! Resigned to the idea of spending our waiting time in the hotel bar or restaurant, this idea was soon dashed as both had been closed for refurbishment - since last November! Grr!
Roads surrounding the hotel
were full of bars & cafes, but not being in the most salubrious area, we decided against any local exploration, and instead, a few of us grabbed a taxi to the Berjeya Times Square Shopping Mall, just 5-mins away. Definitely not my cup of tea, but the ideal place for the girls to have a Thai foot & back massage, which turned out to be both top notch and very cheap!
Dinner was in a typical Malaysian but also Michelin * restaurant near to the hotel, but as it is currently Ramadam and also a very Muslim city, many restaurants do not serve alcohol, so no pre-dinner G&Ts tonight!
However, we did find a Latin bar serving Happy Hour Cocktails, so it was silly to say no, especially when they supplied the Mexican hats & music yo go with our variety of cocktail orders!
BTW, it's now 2310 in the evening and a very pleasant 28°!!

03/04/2024

It's 0430 o'clock, Wednesday morning on 03 April and our small group of intrepid travellers are up before the lark, ready to embark on yet another adventure - this time to the jungles, rivers & beaches of Borneo with our favourite tour operator, Wendy Wu Wordwide Tours!
On arrival tomorrow morning, our exciting Malaysian tour starts with 2-days in Kuala Lumpur to explore this exciting, modern city and the Batu Caves before heading off to Northern Borneo on Saturday.

Watch this space for an overview and photos of our tour and if you would like a taste of Malayasia yourself, as an independent tour sometime in the future, get in touch and I can arrange a great value holuday for you, saving you a few pounds ..... and stress!
www.solentevents.co.uk

30/03/2024

I'm back! With the most wonderful memories of India just a few days behind me, I thought I should share memories of a place I never dreamt I would ever experience or witness with my own eyes .... sailing along the River Ganges at sunrise, along with thousands of pilgrims and mourners.
Walking through the main streets of sacred Varanasi during Holi week at 5am in the morning, has to be one of the most moving experiences ever and probably unique to anywhere else in the world.
Hindu Pilgrims from all over the world come to Varanasi at least once in their lifetime to visit the Ghats and bathe in the Ganges water to wash their sins away. (Ghats are a very special type of embankment that are long flights of wide stone steps leading down to the river where people take a holy dip and hold cremations. Each of the eighty-four Ghats of Varanasi hold some special significance, with over 100 cremations by the river every day.
Viewing the Ghats from a boat on the Ganges, especially at sunrise, is a truly unforgettable experience and very moving. With a panoramic view of a multitude of people going about various early morning activities - from ablution to workout, the river is the be all and end all of life. People consult the astrologers under their palm leaf parasols, buy offerings for rituals, sell silk apparels & brassware and mourners bring their loved ones on bamboo stretchers, normally through the streets, to one of two riverside crematoriums.
having seen these rituals in documentaries and films, it was amazing to be in the throes of it all. Two musicians played approriate music whilst we drifted along, soaking up the reverence of the atmosphere. We were privilaged to be invited to join a devotional 'aarti' ritual using fire, by lighting a small candle inside a cup made from leaves and flowers and floating it down the river. It was a very emotional moment watching our personal candles slowly disappearing down the river. The actual ritual of aarti happens every single day of the year and we were invited to join the ceremony on the steps the evening before, which was both intense and magical.
The river experience was followed by breakfast back at the hotel, before embarking on the next Holy Festival ritual - one I was dreading, but really enjoyed it - getting plastered in coloured dye! I still have the remnants to prove it - with purple, yellow & red hair!

I'm already in the throes of arranging a similar India Tour in 2026 to Delhi, Shimla, Varanasi and Kerala, so if you fancy joining us on another incredible adventure, please express your interest as soon as possible, as our tours sell out very fast these days! Why? Because life's too short to hesitate!!
POLITE WARNING: Some of the images below may be upsetting for some of you, as they show crematoriums beside the Ganges.

With a quick 5-day turnaround for washing, ironing and some work in the office, on Wednesday I will be escorting a group of 14 excited Solent Events long-haul adventurers on another memorable tour, this time to Kuala Lumpur and Borneo, where we hope to get up close to our endangered cousins, the Orangutans!
www.solentevents.co.uk