Captivated by Cape Town - SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town is an urban city with the backdrops of the beautifully mammoth Table Mountain and Lions Head. The city also has a sprawling and high spirited district, called the V&A Waterfront. You can also take day trips from Cape Town to the amazing sights close by, such as Robben Island, Boulders Beach, and Cape Point or see the wild animals at a Safari Wildlife Game Reserve.

No matter where you go in Cape Town, you won’t be going long without catching a glimpse of Table Mountain and Lions head. These two mountains set the scenery for this city. Both standing tall in all its glory.

Table Mountain and Lions Head

Table Mountain, is the bigger of the two mountains and has a uniquely flat top. Hence the name for this natural beauty. For a mountain so large, the thought of climbing it can be quite frightening, but those looking for a challenge do make the climb. But for others, who aren’t willing to brave the mountainous steep climb, the services of a cable car comes in handy.

Table Mountain from the V&A Waterfront

Lions Head on the other hand doesn’t have the services of a cable car. So getting to the top requires your own physical dedication. However, people of all ages climb this mountain on a daily basis and it’s not as bad as it looks. Take your time and enjoy the views across Cape Town while you’re up there. Even if you don’t make it all the way to the tip of Lions Head, the outlook is still incredible.

Lions Head

View from the top of Lions Head

If physical activity is not your thing, the V&A Waterfront offers more relaxing activities. Such as great waterfront restaurants to wine & dine, unique shops to browse or sit back and watch the performances that's happening at the outdoor amphitheatre. This is an area that sprawls with life and can provide hours of entertainment.

From the V&A Waterfront you can take a ferry to Robben Island. The island has a huge part in South Africa’s history. It was where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for almost two decades, for his non-violent battles against apartheid in South Africa. The guided tours are given by ex-political prisoners of Robben Island, so you really get a deep insight into it's history. Even from Robben Island, the unmistakeable Table Mountain can still be seen in all its greatness. It was a symbol of freedom for prisoners of the time.

V&A Waterfront

Entertainment at the V&A Waterfront

About an hour’s drive from Cape Town is Simon’s Town, where you’ll find Boulders Beach. This beach is home to some of the cutest little black and white creatures – the African Penguins. Over thousands of penguins have taken up residence here, just waddling about and doing their thing. This place is of course a marine protected area. So for a small fee, you can walk along the boardwalks without disturbing the little penguins in their natural habitat and still admire them up close.

Penguins at Boulders Beach

The home of Penguins at Boulders Beach

The most South Western point of South Africa is Cape Point. About a 1.5 hour journey out from Cape Town. This area is greenly serene, surrounded by the big blue ocean. To reach the top, you can do it the physical way and walk the steps, or take it easy by riding the convenient cable car. Spending some time here, you may come across a cheeky baboon or two lurking about.

Cape Point

The most South Western point of South Africa - Cape Point

Being in South Africa, a Safari Wildlife Game Reserve is something to experience. If you’re based in Cape Town there’s probably not going to be a good one close by. However, there are many in South Africa to choose from if you’re willing to take the drive. You can either do the self-tour in your own hired car, otherwise there are tour groups where you can stay overnight. It all comes down to the experience you’re after. Keep your eyes peeled for animals that like to stay inconspicuous.

An urban city where you feel so close to nature, is what you call Cape Town. The iconic Table Mountain seen from miles away and even from the sky, gives this city a touch of glory that is tied up to the greatness of its history.

Zebras at the Wildlife Game Reserve

At the Wildlife Game Reserve

View over Cape Town from Lions Head

Check out my instagram for more @t_r_a_n_

A diamond in the rough, Bucharest - ROMANIA

If you mention you've been to Bucharest, many will think they heard wrong and say 'Oh how was Budapest?' It's not a city on the travel plans of many tourists, mainly because many outside of Europe simply don't know where it is. The city of Bucharest is quite small in comparison to other European cities and when you take a look around, you'll see it's a place with tarnished commission buildings, dotted with half built abandoned concrete structures, several high rise business towers and a few beautiful European architectural buildings. Great places can be found, even though it can seem like finding a needle in a hay stack.

Being in Bucharest at times feels like living in the 80's, stepped back a little in time. The safety of seat belts aren't quite recognised in Romania and you can pretty much drive and park wherever the car seems to fit. It really does seem like everyone has their own set of road rules! On the hospitality side of things, smoking is still allowed inside restaurants and bars. So be prepared to be engulfed in fumes of cigarette smoke as you eat your food. Non-smoking seating areas do exist, but are hardly effective, especially when you're still in the same area, just seated to one side!

Getting around the city is easy and inexpensive, taxi's can be found everywhere. Take note of the different tariffs printed on the side of each taxi before you get in, (eg 1.39, 1.75, 3.49 lei/km) it can mean a big difference in taxi fare for the same experience in service - No seat belts and a roller-coaster ride, while the driver's having a mobile phone conversation the whole trip.

However, like a diamond in the rough, Bucharest shines brightest during the Summer months. The whole city comes out from the Winter long hibernation and springs to life. In full bloom are the luscious green parks and lakes, such as Herastrau Park. Restaurants and bars are set up ready to make full use of the pleasant Summer season. The Old City sprawls with people wandering the cobble streets. The Palace of Parliament, a mammoth icon to this city and weekend migrations to Mamaia Beach are some of the things to look forward to while in Bucharest, Romania.

Herastrau Park is located in the lovely Northern area of Bucharest. The tree filled park is huge and surrounds a vast lake. Several restaurants/bars and clubs can be found in and around the expansive green park, that is best explored by bike. Bike hire can be found just outside the Aviatorilor Metro Station. Biking around also ensures that you're getting the most out of your visit. Don't miss the string of notable places to eat & drink along the lakes waters edges, perfect for a warm sunset evening.

Herastrau Park

Herastrau Park with restaurants on the lake

Restaurant on the Herastrau Lake

Peacocks in Herastrau Park

The epicenter of Bucharest is the Old City. At all hours, there are a traffic load of people, wandering through the cobble stoned lane ways, surrounded by restaurants, bars and clubs. The evening gathers a lot more people and is pumped with an energetic nightlife.

For a traditional Romanian dinner, head to Caru’ Cu Bere Restaurant. A place that provides a whole lot of entertainment throughout the evening. The Romanian food is served simple and homely, with basic flavours. An item on the menu that must be tried, is the impressive large pork shank, succulent and juicy, accompanied by sides, perfect for sharing between two. You can find this place in the heart of Bucharest’s Old City at - Strada Stavropoleos 5, București 030081, Romania - www.carucubere.ro

The Old City

Car Cu Bere Restaurant

Pork Shank at Caru Cu Bere

Other restaurants, bars/clubs and spas with great food and atmosphere in Bucharest:

- Biutiful Restaurant: An eclectic pub, best for burgers, ribs and fish & chips - Address: Strada Gabroveni 8, București 030088, Romania - http://www.biutiful.ro/

- Vacamuuu: The best place for a steak in Bucharest. Try the Steak & Eggs for breakfast or the Steak Sandwich that comes with deliciously seasoned chips - Address: Calea Floreasca, București, Romania - http://www.vacamuuu.com/

- Zexe Restaurant: A Romanian restaurant with french inspired decor. Quality food and fabulous service - Address: Strada Icoanei 80, București, Romania - http://www.zexe.ro/

- Restaurant Coreean Seoul: The venue is awkwardly situated, but the food is authentic, owned by Koreans. Good Asian cuisine is hard to find, but this is one of the good ones - Address: Strada Aviator Mircea Zorileanu 89, București, Romania - http://www.restaurantkorean.ro/

- il Calcio Restaurant: Located on the serene Herastrau lake serving good Italian cuisine - Address: Șoseaua Nordului 7-9, București 014101, Romania - http://trattoriailcalcio.ro/

- The Player Club: A nightclub oozing all class with two huge outdoor swimming pools. During the Summer months, the days at The Player Club are full of people relaxing on the sun-beds, with music and drinks flowing. At night, take it indoors and do it all again - Address: Aleea Primo Nebiolo 1, București 011349, Romania - http://theplayer.ro/

- Interbelic Cocktail Bar: An upstairs bar with an urban rustic vibe, bare in features but full of substance. Address: Calea Victoriei 17, București 030023, Romania - https://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Interbelic-Cocktail-Bar/328768230543519

- TrickShot: For some bowling or billiards fun, along with good food take it to TrickShot. Located on the rooftop of the Promenade Mall - Address: Mall Promenada (Calea Floreasca 246B, Bucuresti), etajul 2 - http://www.trickshot.ro/

- Shiseido Spa: For the ultimate pampering session, book yourself in for a massage at Shiseido Spa and enjoy their luxurious facilities - Address: Str. Jandarmeriei, nr. 14, Sector 1, Bucuresti - http://www.stejariicountryclub.ro/shiseido-spa

Biutiful Restaurant

Rack of ribs at Biutiful Restaurant

Steak sandwich at Vacamuuu

Zexe Restaurant

Restaurant Coreean Seoul

Il Calcio Restaurant

The Player Club - Outdoors

The Player Club - Indoors

Interbelic Cocktail Bar

The TrickShot Burger at TrickShot

Shiseido Spa

A major sight in Bucharest is the Palace of Parliament building, also known as The People's Palace. It is the second largest administration building to the Pentagon, spanning 270 metres at it's longest stretch. The building also has underground tunnels, so large that Top Gear UK filmed a racing segment below ground. To watch part of the Top Gear video click here: http://s679.photobucket.com/user/njxp42/media/Top%20Gear%20Romania%20series%2014%20episode%201/TopGearRomaniaseries14episode1partB.mp4.html

The People's Palace

View from the People's Palace

Sometimes a hot weekend in the city of Bucharest can seem a little quiet. That's because everyone's headed to the Black Sea to Mamaia Beach in Constanta to bask in the sun and swim in the cool sea, escaping the city Summer heat. The Black Sea water is flecked with bits that reflect the sun making it shimmer like bits of gold in the soft flowing waves. Mamaia Beach is a popular beach destination for all Romanians and where you'll find little or no foreign tourist at all. The beach stretches for kilometres and is packed with what seems like the majority of the Romanian population.

North of the Mamaia stretch, you will find the chic and up-scaled beach venues, such as the Loft Mamaia (http://www.loftlounge.ro/) and Club Fratelli Mamaia (http://www.fratelli-constanta.ro/clubs/fratelli-beach-club/). At these venues, bookings for sun-beds are required ahead of time, otherwise you can forget it, as they will be all booked out due to their social popularity. Towards the South of Mamaia Beach you'll find similar and also as upbeat in atmosphere, where sun-beds line the front of each designated restaurant or bar. However, reservations aren't necessary in the South and finding a sun-bed should be easier. Otherwise you could simply lay your towel on the sand and enjoy it all the same.

Mamaia Beach - South end

Mamaia Beach - South end

Mamaia Beach - South end

Mamaia Beach - South end

Without knowing where to go or what to see, Bucharest can seem like a dull holiday destination. But with surprisingly upbeat and lively restaurants and bars during the Summer months, and a park you can compare to Central Park, a weekend in Bucharest can be enjoyable if you know where to go. Bucharest is a diamond in the rough, where you'll have to search hard to find the best places - It's like the Romanian's are keeping the best venues in this city their secret.

Sunset at Herastrau Park

Check out my instagram for more @t_r_a_n_

Dubai's your oyster - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Once of sandy desert plains, now a city sprawling with skyscrapers, with unexpected pockets of greenery and colourful blooms. The city has transformed and blossomed into a luxurious playground full of riches, where prestigious cars saturate the streets and is home to some of the world's 'most tallest, largest and luxurious' structures. Dubai is a city of all cities, where parts of the world are all rolled into one. Everything you could possibly imagine is here and more, from the best restaurants, bars, shopping malls, hotels, entertainment, beaches, marinas, historical and modern sights. Dubai is a city riding in the fast lane, and before I finish writing this piece, the chances are another building is about to be completed!

Dubai Fountain & Burj Khalifa (on the right)

With constant changing landscapes, thanks to the wealth the discovery of oil brought about 50 years ago, Dubai went from sandy desert plains to extravagant cosmopolitan city. Making the United Arab Emirates one of the world's richest countries.

Dubai is home to the worlds tallest building - the Burj Khalifa. Standing mighty high at 829.8 metres and appropriately positioned, next to the world's largest mall - the Dubai Mall. This mall has over 1,200 stores, with all the major brands and luxury designers under one roof. This mall is built to mammoth proportions, so much so, that it even has it's own aquarium and underwater zoo. Which of course, is the largest suspended aquarium in the world. At some point you'll also stumble across the Dubai Mall's indoor ski resort, a cool contrast to the sweltering Dubai heat. The mall really is of colossal size! - http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/Index.aspx

Just outside the Dubai Mall is the Dubai Fountain, with the world's largest choreographed fountain system, of course! A spectacular water performance, paired with light and music, on every 30 minutes from 6pm. Best seen when the sun is setting.

Downtown Dubai has many of the 'world's most,' a place you could easily spend a day exploring and enjoying. However, if you want to head to the top of the Burj Khalifa, make sure you get your tickets early, as these are a hot item.

Burj Khalifa

Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai

Dubai Aquarium inside the Dubai Mall

Dubai Fountain

Not quite done with the 'world's most,' Dubai also has the world's largest artificial man-made island, called The Palm. Fittingly, created into the shape of a palm tree, with a tree trunk, 16 palm branches and a crown. Apparently built so big, that it can be seen from space!

Another smaller man-made island, regardless of how small, is occupied by the world's first 7 star hotel - the Burj Al Arab. Built like the sails of a ship, surrounded by ocean water, the Burj Al Arab Hotel is known to offer only the finest, hence earning itself the 7 stars.

The Atlantis Hotel located at the crown of the Palm

The Burj Al Arab Hotel 

One of Dubai's refined and stylish districts is Dubai Marina. This region consists of the world's largest waterfront expansion, an area where many luxury yachts are moored. High-rise apartments, with lavish views reside. The Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), where 'The Walk' and 'The Beach' can be found, with bountiful options for shopping and dining. The Dubai Marina Mall, where more shopping can be had and Pier 7 - consisting of 7 levels of 7 different restaurants along with superb marina views. As you can see, the options in the Dubai Marina region are endless.

Dubai Marina high-rise apartment views

The Beach - at Jumeirah Beach Residence

Along the beach of the Jumeirah Beach Residence, a meal containing eggs can be had all day long at 'Eggspectation.' Treat yourself to a satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner with beach views. With the number of options available on their menu and everything looking so appealing, the choice doesn't come easy, but no matter what the choice, it's probably going to be a good one - http://eggspectation.com/locations/dubai/jumeirah-beach-residence/

Lobster benedict from Eggspectation

Everyone loves a weekend champagne brunch and in Dubai the Arabic weekend begins on a Friday. Dubai is a Muslim city, but alcohol flows quite freely, especially within the confines of hotel establishments. Book yourself and your friends into a Friday brunch and experience brunching on another level. Begin while the sun is still high and ride into the night. There are many brunch venues to choose from such as Zero Gravity, Bar 44 and 360 degree, only to name a few.

Zero Gravity is located in Jumeirah Beach Residence at 'The Beach' area, across from Skydive Dubai. Don't worry about early wake-ups, because brunch doesn't begin until 3pm. Enter through the tunnel to Zero Gravity and be met with a large illuminating circular bar, two levels, an outdoor grass area, with an outdoor bar and sandy beach front with gorgeous views. At Zero Gravity, the brunch is brought to your table in three courses - entree, main and dessert. If you like something in particular, you can ask for more. Same with the drinks and alcoholic beverages, non-stop food and drinks, during your 3 hour brunching session! Eat and drink to your hearts content. After brunch, stick around for the evening events and dance the night away - http://0-gravity.ae/

Zero Gravity bar

Brunch at Zero Gravity - Entrees

View from Zero Gravity

Outdoor area of Zero Gravity

If you're looking for some great food, you can find it at Pier 7, next to the Dubai Marina Mall. There are 7 restaurants, each serving different cuisines, on each separate level. Each restaurant has the treat of the marina views. For delicious foods from around the world, go to Fume Restaurant. An eclectic venue with bare ceilings and cement walls, sophisticated lighting features and impressive views. The food is nothing short of satisfying and the drinks are fantastic too! - http://www.fume-eatery.com/index_pier.html For other restaurants at Pier 7 go to - http://www.pier7.ae/en/Dine/dine.aspx

Fume Restaurant at Pier 7

Delicious food & drinks from Fume Restaurant at Pier 7

View from a Pier 7 restaurant

For something a little different and a lot of fun, experience an Arabian desert night. Book yourself on a desert safari and leave the sprawling city behind for some peace and quiet amongst the desert dunes.

Arabian Adventures have different types of tours, but don't go pass the 'Sundowner.' A late afternoon to evening desert safari, that starts with a falcon show. Then onto dune driving through the desert, up and down peaks of sand, where you'll be dropped off in the middle of no where and see nothing but sand for miles - indulge in the amazing sunset. Then bash more dunes to arrive at the Arabian desert dinner grounds, where you'll meet some camels for a brief ride. Within the dinner grounds, an Arabian style buffet will await. Dinner under the desert stars, surrounded by sand dunes, accompanied by music and entertainment - just perfect! - https://www.arabian-adventures.com/en/tours-and-safaris/find-tours-and-safaris/dubai.aspx

Dune driving with Arabian Adventures

Sunset watch

Desert camel ride

Arabian style buffet

View from the dinner grounds of the illuminated sand dune

The capital city of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. From Dubai, a taxi ride to Abu Dhabi is 1 - 1.5 hours and costs about 200AED. No special car arrangements need to be made, you can easily hail a taxi from the streets and they'll be happy to take you.

Worth the visit in Abu Dhabi, is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. There are free walking tours throughout the day lasting about 45 minutes. The mosque was completed in 2007 and is the largest in the UAE. It can fit over 30,000 worshipers at any one time. The monumental mosque was built with materials sourced from around the world. Made from marble stone, with more than 80 plump domes, topped off with gold tips. Luscious greenery and pools surround the mosque, reflecting back it's beauty. While inside, a chandelier of grand proportions hangs in the centre. Made from millions of Swarovski crystals, casting warm colourful hues and 24 karat gold. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is grandiose from all angles.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Some of the thousands of columns within the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Reflective pools that surround the mosque

Chandelier inside the mosque made of millions of Swarovski crystals

There is plenty to do in Dubai and there will be plenty more to come, this city is expanding on a rapid scale and no doubt there will be another 'world's most' coming soon. The city is electric, call it the 'new city of lights.' Spectacular structures, amazing man-made islands, large scale shopping malls, along with an abundance of fine and fabulous restaurants and bars, this city is your oyster. Dubai welcomes foreigners with open arms, however be mindful and respectful of their laws. The choices in Dubai are bottomless and although there are many riches visibly seen cruising the streets, it's really a playground for all.

The Burj Khalifa

Desert sunset

There's something peaceful about sitting in the middle of the desert

View of Dubai from the sky

Check out my instagram for more @t_r_a_n_