Tagged With "Madeira Wine Company in Funchal"
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Re: Tickets: Check before you cancel!
British Airways are trying their best to hold on to their customers' money. We have had 4 flights from Frankfurt to London cancelled by them (on two separate bookings). Whilst by law they should simply refund the money to the credit card, they send you links involving only 'travel vouchers' and phone numbers with automated messages directing you to the same vouchers. It is extremely difficult to find anything to do with actual refunds, but I am persisting. I also am pursuing claims under EU...
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Re: July in France: More than Bastille Day
Great photo of the lavender field. I remember all the years living in Germany, seemed there were weekly fests going on in our village or in one of the neighboring villages. Any excuse for outdoor music and to gather with current and new friends to drink local wines and beers along with plentiful grilled meats. I truly miss that part of European living. Fests all year long and never a rain date ... they just put up tents and partied in the rain. Photo of my wife Diane with two musicians at a...
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Re: Happy Thanksgiving, from all of us at TravelGumbo!
Yes DrF.... Those Ozzies have some strange habits ! First time in Coogee Bay Hotel Sydney I ordered Steak and Chips (Fries) Guy showed me a Tupperware Picnic Box full of raw steak. You choose, then he puts it on a plate for you. You take it outside to the "Barbee" (BBQ). You cook it how you like it. Then come back in for your Chips and salad ! I stopped at a Restaurant in Bondi Beach and the waiter asked me if I would like a bottle of wine with the meal. "Yes please" I said. "Well git ya...
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Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool
In a way, most of the places in the world worth visiting have some history of being "dirty, industrial" places--that's where people cluster and societies are forged. The ancient cities of the Middle East and Greece, and Rome itself were like that! We recently visited the excavated Roman city under central Barcelona, and were surprised to see how much of the area in the center of the ancient city was given over to commercial laundry, large-scale dye works and industrial-scale wine-making. The...
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Re: June 20, 2018: Beer in a Carton
What an odd origin ! Things once embedded seem to take a long time to change, even when it's obvious ! I've always hated drinking straight from a carton anyway. In south India I had a surprise when I heard there was some Indian 'Port' at the store and got a small plastic pouch full of something that bore more resemblance to red wine vinegar.
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Re: A Culinary Adventure in Portugal
Sagres and Superbock Beer are a Portuguese favourite. I always have a supply in the fridge. For drinks after dinner I prefer a Mateus Rose Wine. Strong in alcohol content - sparkling and not dry. Portugal has an all year warm climate as the prevailing winds come up from North Africa and the Sahara Desert.
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Re: Krumlov Castle, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic. Where Gumbo was #68
I first visited Cesky Krumlov in 1995, when it was still being restored and the tower repainted, as it had deteriorated during the communist period. I would also advise anyone visiting the area also to see nearby Rozmberk, which is a pretty village with a quite impressive castle, but with far fewer tourists (First 2 pictures). Prague is rightly considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but there is much more to see in the Czech Republic including Cesky Krumlov and South Bohemia.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, November 7, 2014: Deuce with Truck
This shot (not that you can see from my pic) was taken whilst staying at the most picturesque village of Rudesheim deep in the German wine region, south of Koblenz. A beautiful village to visit if rather 'touristy' these days. Also highly recommended is a Rhine day-cruise (or longer) out of lovely Cologne which will also pass by Rudesheim.
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Re: Following the European Beer Trail: Oktoberfest to Sorrento
My curiosity is also piqued about this Italian beer. Not sure if I tried beer in Italy. Wine seems to be flowing out of ever crack in every building, but I'll need to give it a try next time I'm there. Hi praise from a Canadian, I might add.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 11, 2015: Fruit of the Vine
Hi Paul. Just curious. Would an outdoor wine tasting be permissible in the US? I always find events like this to be so civilised. Folks just mixing and tasting locally produced food and wine. No one over indulging and a beautiful way to enjoy a summers day making new friends.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 11, 2015: Fruit of the Vine
We have a lot of different state and local laws, so, as they say, Your Mileage May Vary. Since New York is a significant wine-producer, it may be a bit easier here, and in summer there are several wine producers sampling at our local Greenmarket
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 11, 2015: Fruit of the Vine
I never knew that New York was a wine producer. I'll add that to my shopping list in August. Blossom Hill of California is a big seller here in the UK. Thank You !!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 11, 2015: Fruit of the Vine
The Finger Lakes area in the center of the state has long been a big white-wine producer; Taylor is originally from there. There's been a growing industry on Long Island in recent years, where sandy soil in some areas has been good to the grapes. On the whole, NY wines range from extraordinary to oversweet. And, of course, it's home to one of my guilty favorites: Manishewitz Concord Grape wine, kosher for Passover!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 11, 2015: Fruit of the Vine
Must look into this. I prefer sweet wines. Hate dry wines. Which I know is very unfashionable. But I do love asking guests to try my Italian "Martini. Asti Spumante. Sparkling Wine". I do enjoy converting people with an attitude to sweet wines !
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 29, 2014: Berlin's Fernsehturm
Very nice. My only time visiting Berlin was for the Christmas Markets and I was too focused on mulled wine! I need to go back during the year and actually explore these monuments.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 29, 2014: Berlin's Fernsehturm
Originally Posted by MAD Travel Diaries: Very nice. My only time visiting Berlin was for the Christmas Markets and I was too focused on mulled wine! I need to go back during the year and actually explore these monuments. I also know the impact of mulled wine on a cool day
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 29, 2014: Berlin's Fernsehturm
I guess I'll need to explore the mulled wine when I get back...we were focused on beer and currywurst!
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Re: Six Reasons Why Lisbon Made Me Nostalgic for San Francisco
When I'm in San Francisco I love the Micro Breweries. The sampler tray is a must have in each bar. But when you're in Lisbon just try the Sagres Lager. Often named as the Best Beer in Europe you'll be pleasantly surprised ! Nothing like a "Lite" Beer, it has a wonderful taste and sparkle. Or try a sparkling Mateus Rose if wine is your preference.
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Re: Six Reasons Why Lisbon Made Me Nostalgic for San Francisco
@GarryRF - I'm more of a wine person but did enjoy a Sagres or two in Portugal. You can't beat the price. Love the microbreweries in San Francisco and agree that the tasting trays are definitely the way to go!
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Re: United Economy to Offer 3 Course Meals, Free Beer & Wine on Some Flights
Alaska has been offering free microbrewery beer and local wine on its Horizon flights for years. So Kudos to United for expanding their economy services. We need to acknowledge their service improvements when they occur
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Re: Points to consider before visiting Tbilisi
Good points to know before travelling. The Wine sounds good.. need to check this out further. Thanks G
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Re: Possible second Viking site found in Newfoundland
History tells us that the first English settlers in North America would not have survived the first winter without food from the indigenous tribes. The winters in England and Europe are warmer than what was waiting for them in Newfoundland. There is a weather history from about the year 1150. If you look at records kept by French wine makers it notes the date the first shoots appear. The date when the grapes are set, then harvested and the quality and size of the fruit. All good indicators...
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Re: Apr. 7, 2016: Budget Vacation in France
We enjoy camping here. And we have our own equipment. And we can put it up in 10 minutes too. But going to an area of Europe and getting budget accommodation that's central to exploring Paris - Berlin - Munich - Marseilles - St Tropez - Brussels - the Spanish Costa's etc and all at a budget price. With toilets - showers - hairdryers - on site stores for wine and food - then even the Ladies can't complain. And a car park so you can be off touring the caves and vineyards. Staying in a Budget...
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Re: Visiting Erupting Mount Etna
My wife and I stayed a couple weeks at the seaside town of Naxos that was between Mount Etna and the sea. Our room faced the sea and in the middle of one night we heard some big booming noises and thinking and eruption was occurring I dashed into the hallway. Seeing flashing lights from the back side windows, I hustled to the big rear windows only to see fireworks being set off from the slopes of the volcano. Whew ! Had a great time there with a visit to Taormina and the fantastic wine and...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, September 13, 2015: South of Naples
Did you discover any wines that you'd like to share ? I love trying a wine that's unknown to me. Like Gancia Asti came as a pleasant surprise.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, September 13, 2015: South of Naples
Originally Posted by GarryRF: Did you discover any wines that you'd like to share ? I love trying a wine that's unknown to me. Like Gancia Asti came as a pleasant surprise. I love the Asti wines, and really enjoyed the Chianti wines, but I've forgotten the names of any specific wines I enjoyed in Italy I'm afraid. I do recommend the South African Durbanville Hills Chardonnay
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Re: easyJet's founder launches cut-rate food store
I really do like this idea because a lot of people are too proud to go to food banks if they are in need and at least they can get a few things there. Also , if it spreads its a good way for travelers to pick up a few snacks for the road. Here are the items for sale listed on the site : Tea Ground Coffee Chicken Curry Sugar Orangeade Pasta Mushroom Sauce Digestives Chick Peas Sardines and Sauce Cream Crackers Pasta Sauce Flour Tomato Ketchup Variety Pack Cereal Potatoes Jaffa Cakes Fruit...
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Re: February 8, 2016: The Pride of Madeira
Wow ! These photos are spectacular! Can't wait to see more about Madeira.
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Re: February 8, 2016: The Pride of Madeira
I can't think of a better backdrop for these magnificent flowers than Madeira. Beautifully done!
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Re: February 16, 2016: Madeira Market
Many of us love markets and this really looks like a great one! Such beautiful images, Ian, thanks for sharing these with us!
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Re: French town reaffirms tourism ban: No space travelers allowed
Another example of what wine - in excess - does to your brain.
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Re: Vineyards, Burgundy, France
It`s a great story, PortMoresby! The kind of adventure that would appeal to me. A week of walking sounds just about right. And my knees are telling me to stop going into the mountains and seek flatter ground! I`m curious how you arranged the transportation of your gear as you were walking from one place to the next. Did you carry it all, or did you return to the same base every night? And, I hope, there was some cheese to go with that wonderful looking wine!
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Re: Vineyards, Burgundy, France
Thanks for that extra info, PM. But 10 pounds would just cover the water, bottle of wine and wheel of cheese I'd be carrying to sustain me on the journey. But Lite is definitely the way to go if at all possible. I look forward to reading the next piece! I may yet pick your brains again about these journeys....which genuinely appeal to me.
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Re: Vineyards, Burgundy, France
Definitely carry water, but wine and cheese are everywhere you turn, no need to haul your own. The key, of course, is not how much stuff you have with you, but how good the stuff is for the purpose. In reality one might do with less than 10 lbs as everything I have in the way of clothing dries overnight. But I like to change in the evening and get the rinsed out items hanging. As with everything, there are methods, obvious when you know them but it took years to get them down. And I continue...
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Re: When there are no more beaches, will we all head for the hills?
When the Vikings first discovered Greenland a thousand years ago they wrote of a "Green and pleasant land with pastures, cows and animals". Now its a frozen wasteland ! In 1817 the wine producers of North Yorkshire (England) abolished their trade association as summers were becoming too cold to grow grapes. They've never grown grapes since ! This time last year we were digging the snow out. Today is 68f and sunny. Climate change doesn't go away. Ever.
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Re: Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland. Where Gumbo was #44
A love for beverages is a personal and often acquired taste. Others share your feelings about beer. Others feel the same way about wine, hard spirits, coffee or tea. To each, their beverage of choice! I enjoy sampling whatever beverage is popular in a region. For example, when in the hills of Sri Lanka, there's nothing better than a cup of BOPF tea. In Italy, it makes sense to focus on the wine. When in Ireland, you need to try the Guinness and some of their triple distilled whiskey.
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Re: A visit to the Jack Daniel's distillery: Lynchburg, Tennessee
I've never been a serious whiskey fan, but the processes, as with wine, are fascinating!
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Re: Gallery: Les Halles, Dijon, France
Love the market!!! I'm a big fan of French wine and cheese. What time of year did you visit Dijon? Also curious about the Canal walk. Was that sort of a "room" to "room" walk? Did you carry a backpack? How did your gear travel with you? How far did you go every day and how many days was the walk? Thanks for this piece.
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Re: Gallery: Les Halles, Dijon, France
Thanks, TL. I was in Burgundy in May. Stay tuned for more, including French wine, coming soon.
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Following the European Beer Trail: Oktoberfest to Sorrento
To answer your question. Yes, Italians drink beer. It’s not a well-known pastime of Italy, however it is becoming more common. But before we get to Italy let me tell you about my beer adventure that led me to central Italy. I started the...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, December 9, 2014: Enjoying the Sunset
One evening as we were returning to our hotel near St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice, slowly cruising down the Grand Canal on a vaporetto (water bus) , the sun began to set. In the last moments of daylight, that magical time of day...
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A million bottles of wine!?!
Those of us with limited imaginations might find it hard to conceive how thirsty all those passengers get on flights. Or the sheer volume of people who fly now. Emirates airlines definitely has an eye on the future. In...
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Changing Trains in La Serenissima
My English friend and I left the beautiful apartment on the Anfiteatro in Lucca , she home to Bromsgrove in the West Midlands, and I toward Budapest and my old friends with a guesthouse near the famous synagogue. I was treating myself to...
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Walla, Walla: “So nice they named it twice!”
What’s a Walla Walla? It’s a Indian name meaning “many waters”. It’s also the name of a charming city in southeastern Washington; nestled close to the Columbia and Snake River valleys, and with a river of its...
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A springtime hike on the Yakima Rim Skyline Trail
After a rather long winter I was ready for a pleasant dayhike. While I’d rather head up to the mountains for a stroll in an alpine meadow, there’s way too much snow up there in April. Fortunately in the Northwest there are some...
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Lisbon: Cheap, but Steep!
That’s my short take on Lisbon after two weeks there last summer. A variety of economic factors, not all connected with the Euro crisis of the past few years, have made Portugal incredibly cheap for foreign travelers—but you have to be...
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May I help you with that iPad, sir?
We've seen the role of flight attendants change over the decades. Gone are the days of weight limitations, gloves, and mandatory skirts and heels. The time when everyone on the plane was served fine meals and wine -- poof, vanished....
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Six Reasons Why Lisbon Made Me Nostalgic for San Francisco
A feeling of déjà vu washed over me when we landed in Lisbon and set out on foot to explore the city for the first time. As the days passed, I finally figured out what it was. Lisbon totally reminded me of San Francisco...
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A summer trip to Valencia, Spain
Last Summer, in 2014, I went on an internship program in Valencia, Spain. My internship took place in a nice hotel near the center of the town and lasted 3 months. While I was there I could visit and enjoy many touristic points while also...