Sherlock Steakhouse & Pub - Two visits A gastropub with the most positive energy is a perfect live music venue where you feel you have been part of the family for years. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with big smiles from the staff and the patrons; you could feel the positive energy and kind hearts. We left a piece of us in Sığacık. The people are beautiful, genuine, kind, and full of a unique and lovable energy. Special new friendships after only two vi sits with whom you wish you had more time. I was incredibly overwhelmed by the kindness we received. On the first evening, I was gifted a 'Nazar Boncuğu' bracelet from Ayça, the lovely waitress, as a reminder of our newfound friendship. We initially came for a late afternoon drink. The team was so beautiful and friendly that we stayed until late in the evening, having fun chatting away (primarily via Google Translate). We made many new friends from this beautiful venue and will cherish the memories forever. We are at a loss for words about the warm smiles, laughter, and stories the Sherlock Steakhouse & Pub team told. Drinks, where do we start? Jagermeister mojito anyone? We were fans! You can enjoy your new favourite cocktails with very impressive glassware, too. We only ate some bar snacks, but this would be a fun place for a late lunch or dinner with live music from the vibe and the people in summer. Sherlocks is a classic live music venue that allows you to sit indoors or outdoors by the log fires (during the colder months). It is suitable for all seasons. As a bonus, it is open during the quiet season and a place for the young to socialise. They have a live band a few nights a week, and the weekends get very busy. During our second visit, we had just devoured a late lunch, so we were visiting for drinks and were treated by the team to some surprise snacks (coloured cheese). They also made us their signature shots, which were thoughtful and more fun with the team. Pricing was very reasonable. We even shouted with joy to all our new friends to show our gratitude for their warm welcome and for sharing their time with us during our visit. Sherlock Steakhouse is a vibrant, energetic, casual establishment entire of fun-loving people; you will enjoy your time here while visiting Sigacik.

Ryad du Pêcheur - One Visit The Atlantic was blowing a gale, so I wanted a warm place. Nestled in the heart of Safi, Ryad du Pecheur offers a unique blend of Moroccan hospitality and culinary delight. This isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience that harmonizes with the spirit of the coastal town renowned for its pottery and vibrant fishing scenes. Upon entering Ryad du Pecheur, we were instantly struck by the thoughtful decor that pays homage to Safi's rich maritime heritage. The soothing sound of waves in the background and the rustic yet elegant architecture remind us that we are dining in a place where every element has been curated to enhance our experience. The menu at Ryad du Pecheur is a testament to the rich flavours of Moroccan cuisine. Each dish appeals to the palate and tells the story of the region's bountiful seas and rich agricultural heritage. The freshness of the ingredients, coupled with the skilled hands of local chefs, makes for a memorable dining experience. What sets Ryad du Pecheur apart is the warmth and attentiveness of its staff. The service here goes beyond mere hospitality; it's about making every guest feel part of the family. This personal touch adds a layer of comfort and authenticity that is often missing in more commercial establishments. We found the food to be well up to our standards; the only item that needed to be added was that no alcohol was served.

La Trattoria Restaurant Lounge In a city as vibrant and exciting as Safi, every dining experience should be a treasure trove of flavours and service excellence. With its prime location and promising ambience, La Trattoria stands at the threshold of greatness but falters at delivering the culinary journey one might expect. As we continue our quest to experience the best global cuisine, our stop at La Trattoria Restaurant & Lounge will be remembered as a cautionary tale of unmet potential. The search for an authentic, enjoyable dining experience in Safi continues, with hopes of uncovering hidden gems that truly represent the culinary spirit of the region. It sells wine; enough said. Don't expect anything out of this world; I would classify this as an average restaurant that happens to sell wine.

Riad Safi Nestled within the historic walls of Safi's old medina lies Riad Safi, a hidden gem that promises travellers an authentic Moroccan experience. While it may be considered a basic lodging option, this Riad boasts a captivating rooftop area that offers guests a tranquil escape with a view. The highlight of Riad Safi is undoubtedly its rooftop terrace. Here, guests can unwind and absorb the vibrant energy of the medina while gazing at the panoramic vistas of the ancient city. It's an ideal spot for savouring a cup of traditional Moroccan mint tea while the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Riad Safi may be best suited for short stays, making it the perfect choice for those travelling through or seeking a brief sojourn in the bustling city of Safi. Whether you're in town for a one-night stopover or a couple of days exploring the cultural and historical sights, Riad Safi offers a quaint and comfortable base for your adventures. Its no-frills approach to hospitality highlights the essence of what many seek in Safi—a genuine, immersive experience within the heart of the old medina.

Miami, you were fun! It was a great idea to spend a few days exploring Miami before we embarked on our Oceania cruise to discover and explore the East Coast of South America. Miami is a simmering pot of sights and smells, seasoned by its diverse population, and will show everyone a good time. There is plenty to keep you entertained, a hub for shopping, and an abundance of dining options to satisfy every cuisine craving you can think of. When the sun retreats, it leaves you with a tangerine sky, where you can join the city's beautiful crowd as they light up beach parties and rooftop bars around town. We stayed in a beautiful new Airbnb downtown, part of a new hotel; it was always buzzing with a great bar downstairs for our nightcaps and meeting new friends. It was the perfect spot to knuckle down and get through work and all our laundry. It was also very close to Brickell Centre, the hotspot for shopping and home to Saks Fifth Avenue and Victoria's Secret—perfect! We took the opportunity to spend a few days enjoying fabulous and delicious lunches, shopping, shopping, and more! This was perfect for our upcoming cruise to flip the wardrobe, which we needed to make sure we blended in a little on the Oceania cruise, as there are country club dress codes throughout the ship. The sales were also on, and it was nice to have so many choices! Zuma Miami is a chic Japanese restaurant overlooking the Miami River. We had this first on our list, and as soon as we were shopped out, it was time to indulge, so we hastily made a booking through OpenTable and were there in a heartbeat with all the speedy Ubers to enjoy our lazy lunch. The food at Zuma was mouthwatering, and the wine to match. We were fortunate the lunch special was running, as you can enjoy tasting various incredible dishes; we hope to be back in April to continue. We had been planning an evening for months with our dear friend Redona and her boy Mark, whom we met on our travels two years ago in Albania; we stayed in the hotel she managed in Durres. They were currently in Fort Lauderdale for a few weeks, so we took the opportunity to all catch up for dinner and drinks; it was a magical, fun evening full of laughter and friendly to have some familiar faces around. Unfortunately, we had so much fun over dinner, followed by rooftop cocktails, that we forgot to capture the moments. We couldn't leave Miami this time (we have visited Miami about four times over the past ten years) without a slow lunch at the Versace mansion, which has been converted into a restaurant and boutique hotel. It was a great way to spend the afternoon and to experience the dazzling mansion and original home of Gianni Versace; tragically, it was also where his life was taken. We had a beautiful afternoon and were incredibly impressed by the team's exceptional service and warm welcome—a special thank you to team Gianni Versace Mansion: Villa Casa Casuarina . We followed this with an evening of cocktails at Rosa Sky , a Miami rooftop bar, to enjoy the Miami skyline. There, we met more lovely locals and continued with a night full of new friends and more laughter. It was the perfect way to end our short stay in this metropolis city. Miami, you are growing on us each time we visit, and we can't wait to be back in April.

Albatross Tours Nestled amid the pristine landscapes of Switzerland, our adventure with Albatross Tours was nothing short of spectacular. From the breathtaking vistas to the heartwarming company, every aspect of this journey was meticulously crafted to leave us in awe. Albatross Tours excelled in curating a trip that seamlessly blended comfort, adventure, and culinary delight. Our accommodations were not just places to stay but gateways to the beauty surrounding us, complementing the enriching experiences that awaited us each day. One cannot simply talk about this tour without mentioning its gastronomic pleasures. Each meal was a celebration of Swiss flavours, bringing us closer to the cultural essence of this beautiful country. Moreover, the camaraderie that developed among us travellers lent a family-like warmth to our journey, turning acquaintances into lifelong friends. A unique aspect of our Albatross Tour was its flexibility. We had the leisure to participate in the planned activities or explore on our own, a testament to the thoughtfulness of the tour's design. A special shoutout to Maritza, our ever-diligent tour guide, our Tour Mum, or as we fondly called her. Her anticipation of our needs and relentless energy ensured that our experience was seamless and filled with joy. Among the plethora of experiences, the Glacier Expres s stood out with its panoramic views of Switzerland's icy landscapes, a visual treat that will be etched in our memories forever. A Carriage Ride to Remember Our carriage ride to OberHut under the clear blue skies was like stepping into a fairy tale, a serene experience that symbolized the tranquillity and beauty of Switzerland. As our journey came to a close, it was evident that Albatross Tours had given us more than just a vacation; it had provided us with memories to cherish for a lifetime. The attention to detail, the splendid experiences, and the joy of new friendships made this tour truly magical. For anyone yearning for an adventure that captures the essence of Switzerland while wrapping you in luxury and warmth, look no further than Albatross Tours. Join their family and embark on a journey that will leave you spellbound.

On a perfect day, we travelled through Montenegro from Ulcinj to Cetinje. I think we opted for the less travelled road; the autumn colours and mesmerising scenery were incredible. The roads were tight for two-way traffic, but we were blessed to have the road to ourselves. I am overwhelmed by the beauty of Montenegro during Autumn.

It is the former royal capital of Montenegro and the location of several national institutions, including the official residence of the president. The city rests on a small karst plain surrounded by limestone mountains, including Mount Lovćen, the legendary mountain in Montenegrin historiography. Cetinje, founded in the 15th century, became a cradle of Montenegro's culture and a Serbian Orthodox religious centre. Its status as the honorary capital of Montenegro is due to its heritage as a long-serving former capital. There are plenty of places to explore, and we stay in a fantastic new five-star hotel, Gradska Cetinje .

It's worth the walk to the top to gain a beautiful panorama of Cetinje . It's a mausoleum of the 19th-century prince-bishop Danilo I. As with most sites in Montenegro, expect to pass piles of rubbish as you walk to the peak and surround the mausoleum.

A centre of historical and cultural importance, it was founded c. 1484 by Prince Ivan Crnojević of Zeta and designated as the cathedral monastery of the Eparchy of Zeta. It was devastated in 1692, during the Morean War, and rebuilt between 1701 and 1704 by Metropolitan Danilo Petrović-Njegoš on the site of the former court of Ivan Crnojević.