Is it too late to buy some sunglasses in September? Definitely not!
I was lucky to try out some of the Layoners sunglasses and I was not disappointed. They are really an amazing value for money as the prices are below £50. Also, they are very comfy to wear as their frame is really light.
Lightweight frames with flexible handles and polarised lenses
In their own words: ‘Straight from the runways of Milano to the streets of New York. Layoners brings the perfect mix of refined haute couture and hottest street style trends. Thick oversized frames, retro shapes and futuristic silhouettes have dominated this season, and we’re glad to feature them in our collections’.
I love a beach vacation, especially in the middle of the winter, and I couldn’t have asked for a better escape than going to Barbados.
In numbers, Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies. It is 34 kilometres (21 miles) in length and up to 23 km (14 miles) in width, covering an area of 432 km2 (167 squares miles). Its population is of almost 300,000 people.
My favorite spots.
Oistin Fish Market
During the daytime it might look quiet, however wait for a Friday night to eat some freshly caught fish cooked to perfection. Try some lobsters, shrimp, red snapper which are prepared on the grill and served with local favorites such as rice and peas, coleslaw, and salads.
My best evening in Barbados!
Pebbles Beach, the most popular spot according to TripAdvisor
Located in Carlisle Bay. This one seemed overrated to me. The minuses: looking to the left and you’ll see the not so pretty and massive Hilton hotel; look to the right and you’ll see the cruise ships transiting. At some point during the day the beach will be overcrowded by (cruise ship) tourists popping by for a few hours.
The pluses: the easy place to go snorkelling and watch the turtles. Magical!
Miami Beach, my (beach) hot spot!
This quickly became my preferred beach: beautiful sea & sand, good waves to both swim and bodysurf. Relaxed and not too busy (as the access isn’t obvious from the main street). Nice trees in the background – in case you’d need some shade. This beach has it all.
Here you’ll find a beautifully rugged coastline dotted with bays. The powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean pound the cliffs creating sea caves and blowholes. This is not an area for swimming but it makes up for this with majestic views and small pools for sea-bathing.
Both Barbados’ capital and largest city, it’s a vibrant, vivacious place steeped in history, where its unique blend of African, American and British heritage comes alive. Bridgetown and its Garrison is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with buildings dating back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th Century.
“I am on annual leave”. This is the message you will get if you try to email me this week.
An Italian escape had been in the pipe for some months now. Among several Italian places, it was decided that the ‘cities’ of Murano, Venice & Burano were to be the main destinations.
35 degrees Celsius is the average temperature you get there. This meant that shorts, sunglasses, short sleeves & light shirts are to become my best friends. Not to forget the large quantities of water needed in order to ‘survive’ the days!
My first destination was Murano. To go to there from Venice one has to take a boat (less than 20mn).
Murano, famous for its glass.
Murano, island, northeastern Italy in the Venice Lagoon (Laguna Veneta), is renowned for its long tradition of glass-making. I was told that the island experienced its major development after 1291, when glass furnaces were moved there from Venice.
It was just a delight to spend hours walking around the canals and get a glimpse at the glass shops. A fascinating place!
Like Venice, Murano is formed of seven islands in turn connected by bridges and its Grand Canal that runs through them. One of Murano’s, and many, glass shops!The famous Barovier & Toso brand: Luxury Lighting (Murano Glass Since 1295).
Another must see is the the Museum of Glass which was founded by Antonio Colleoni and Vincenzo Zanetti in 1861. Inside you can admire vases, bowls, sculptures and especially the majestic chandeliers.
Venice
Venice is located in the northeast coast of Italy. It is protected from the Adriatic Sea by a long strip of land composed by the Venice Lido, the Cavallino-Treporti Lido and the Jesolo Lido.
The Canal Grande, the main water way of the city to which 150 smaller canals (called “rii”) are connected to.Linen shirt by M&S. Sunglasses by Asos. Sling bag by Tumi.This Tumi sling bag quickly became my best ally: wallet, water bottle, camera and bits and bobs did all fit in it.View from Basilica di Santa Maria della SaluteIt is estimated that there are around 400 gondolas in Venice. They are made of 280 hand-made pieces using eight types of wood (lime, oak, mahogany, walnut, cherry, fir, larch and elm). The process takes about two months; in 2013, the cost of a gondola was about £35K.Light brown Sid skinny stretch utility shorts by River Island.The “Piazza San Marco” is the unique square in Venice. Considered by many as the most beautiful square of the world because of its many decorations in the Renaissance arcades and in the buildings surrounding it.St Mark’s Campanile, Colonne di San Marco e San teodoro, lPalazzo Ducale.
Burano, known for its lace its unique and colorful houses.
Less than 20 minutes away from Murano (by boat), the picturesque Burano is known for its brightly colored fishermen’s houses and its casual eateries serving seafood from the lagoon.
It just seems to be the paradise here. One can really appreciates the tranquility and the calmness of this island.
Pursuing the shores you will arrive to center of the Island: Galuppi Square; here neighbourly ladies invite the most curious visitors to come into their shops to admire the lace working.
Many international magazines include Burano among the top 10 most colorful cities in the world.
