​Air Astana, the multi-award winning national airline of Kazakhstan, is offering a UK person a free place in the Almaty marathon taking place on 1st October. The offer includes the chance to take a ‘plus-one’ and to extend the trip to do a little sight-seeing. There’s a lot to see!

​​Air Astana has, for many years, won awards for its quality, service, in-flight catering and entertainment. It is 49% owned by British Aerospace and its Chairman and Chief Executive is Yorkshireman Peter Foster, who was recognised by the late Queen Elizabeth II for his services to aviation with the award of an OBE.

​​Almaty was the capital of Kazakhstan until 1997 when, due to the constant threat of earthquakes, the capital was moved to purpose-built Astana, the world’s newest capital city. 

The old capital, ​Almaty, is the country’s largest city and the word is often thought to mean ‘hill of apples’. Indeed, Kazakhstan is the home of both apples and tulips, which may surprise Dutch fans.
 
As you would expect from a major city, it’s lively and vibrant with an excellent night-life. There are numerous hotels, including those from major international brands, and a great range of restaurants. What may surprise overseas visitors is that the city is so safe that locals happily stand by the roadsides hitching rides from passing motorists.

​The main attraction in the city centre is Panfilov Park. The park itself is a memorial to soldiers lost in the two world wars and one structure contains part of the old Berlin Wall. ​​It is also home to the magnificent Russian Orthodox Ascension Cathedral, also known as the Zenkov Cathedral, the largest wooden cathedral in the world. It was traditionally built without nails, partly in order to make it resistant to earthquake damage.

Perhaps less well known, at least to westerners, is Rakhat chocolate. Employing over three thousand people, the company produces a top-quality range of confectionary that includes special items for diabetics. As a chocolate lover myself I can vouch for how good it is. There is a large shop in Almaty although, as with some other places, they do not allow photography inside.

​Almaty is close to the northern end of the Tian Shan mountains and was subject to many destructive earthquakes and  landslides. In order to protect the city, the Medeu Dam, an artificial dam of mud and rocks was created in 1966. Earlier, 1951 saw the opening of the high-altitude Medeu ice-skating rink. The ice is so good that over two hundred world records have been broken there. Surrounded by wooded hills it's a winter sun-trap and girls skate in their bikinis. Apparently many boys meet their future wives there!

​Above that, reached by a series of cable cars, is the Shymbulak ski resort where, some years ago, Prince Harry skied with his then girlfriend Cressida Bonas.

The largest landlocked country in the world and the ninth largest overall, there is much to see in Kazakhstan. Marathon runner or not, Almaty is a great place to start and Air Astana is great way to get there.

Air Astana, the national airline of Kazakhstan, has produced probably the best safety video ever! Weaving stunning images of the country into the safety message, the video is sure to open the eyes of visitors to this amazing country.

​Hans Airways, the UK’s new long-haul airline readying to fly to India, celebrated the arrival of its first Airbus A330-200 in UK. It was welcomed by CEO Satnam Saini, COO Nathan Burkitt and CCO Martin Dunn.

​“Our first widebody Airbus arriving into the UK is a big and significant milestone on Hans Airways’ journey to launch,” said CEO Satnam Saini.  These past 12 months we are very pleased to have added a wealth of competence and experience to our leadership and management team and recruited and trained up a full complement of exceptional pilots and cabin crew who will be ready to fly as soon as the airline’s AOC is awarded.

Amritsar / Golden Temple will be its first route
 
Once it has its AOC, together with similar accreditation from India’s DGCA, Hans Airways is planning an initial four times weekly service from Birmingham to Amritsar in North India.   Amritsar is a major commercial and cultural centre in the heart of Punjab. The city is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh religion and home to the Harmandir Sahib, famously known as the Golden Temple. 
 
Hans Airways will offer two classes of cabins: Economy class (called "Anand Class"), with a 31-inch seat pitch and 274 seats, and Premium Economy (called "Anand Plus"), offering a 56" pitch and 24 seats. It will offer high quality complementary inflight entertainment and catering as standard.  
 
For more information on Hans Airways, go to www.hansairways.com  
 

Hard of the heels of the Queen’s Jubilee, Portugal’s new ​Royal Treasure Museum has opened to the public in Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, in Lisbon, offering a permanent display of the Crown Jewels.

​With over one thousand pieces, the collection comprises rare and valuable jewellery, insignia and decorations, coins, and pieces of civil and religious items such as the emerald headpiece of Dona Mariana, what is thought to be the second largest gold nugget in the world. It also includes the snuff box ordered by Don José from the King of France's goldsmith in the 18th century.

They include jewels belonging to the State and from the ancient private collections of different members of the Portuguese royal family between the 17th and 20th centuries as well as a group of 23 pieces reserved for the Crown's greatest public ceremonies.

With the ever-changing set of country regulations regarding covid vaccinations and testing, a survey shows how countries differ in their requirements with even neighbouring countries making totally different demands on visitors.
 
Whilst some countries insist on the original two jabs and a booster (which only lasts twelve months if you are going to Qatar), others still demand the production of a negative test, at a minimum an inconvenience and potentially a holiday disaster in the face of a positive result. In the neantime, others have dropped all covid-related barriers to entry.
 
So, which countries have now dropped all covid-related travel restrictions.
 
Whilst this is not a comprehensive list, the UK Foreign & Commonwealth offices identifies the following countries as allowing hassle-free entry, but check before booking in case of recent changes.

​Happy travelling!

​The return of tourists to London has given a much-needed boost to the arts and entertainment industry so badly hit by covid restrictions.
 
I had the pleasure of being part of this turn-around a few days ago when I went to the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End to see Matilda The Musical, inspired by Roald Dahl’s book. Produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the story follows the life of a young and gifted girl who, on starting school, takes a stand against adversity and changes her life and her destiny.

Many of the cast were children themselves and they threw everything into the performance. So good were they that I began to feel a little sorry for the adults in the cast!

For over ten years the Olivier award-winning show has been a must-see hit of the West End and it remains a highlight of any trip to London. It’s no surprise that the show has won 99 international awards, including 24 for Best Musical, and continues to delight audiences of all ages. I’ll happily endorse that.

The story and the energetic performance also means that Matilda the Musical makes a great introduction to live theatre for children, including those of primary school age. Who knows, it may change some of their lives too.

To book, call the theatre box office on 020 3925 2998 or in person at the Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9HU. For more information, go to https://uk.matildathemusical.com
 
Images by Manuel Harlan.

​Port is often drunk on its own, so it’s good to see it being used as with mixers as a delicious summertime drink.
 
Some years ago I took a week’s cruise on the river Douro, sailing from Porto, the home of Port Wine, to the border with Spain and back. Focussing on port, we visited a number of vineyards owned by the port companies, including Quinta da Roeda, owned by Croft, whose history dates back to 1588. 

​We were introduced to what was then the relativey new Pink Port. It was designed to bring port to a younger, more trendy market and this new pre-mixed pink port and tonic makes a perfect summer drink. It’s light but packed full of flavour and makes a delicious summer picnic drink or aperitif. Stockists include The Champagne Company, The Drinks Emporium and Amazon. ​More at Croft Pink & Tonic

​If you want something a little drier then try a similar pre-mixed drink from Taylor’s, one of the oldest of port producers. It’s a lovely mixture of crisp dry white port and tonic. Drink chilled, straight from the can, or for something a little different, pour it over ice and add a slice of lemon and sprig of mint. Stockists include Amazon, Harvey Nichols, EH Booth, Ocado and The Secret Bottle Shop. More at Taylor’s Chip Dry and Tonic
 
Two great ways to enjoy summer.

For more information on these and other great drinks, go to www.mentzendorff.co.uk

​For reviews of the best sparkling juice drinks, go to Best Sparkling Juice Drinks Reviews

​The Collection de Pépites is lovely a collection of a broad range of unique island properties, including local B&Bs, boutiques, inns and luxury villas. The name originates in the island’s French heritage and means a collection of small pieces or nuggets of gold.  

​The aim is to guide visitors through the options of staying in a property of 35 rooms or fewer, that may not be as well-known as the island’s hotels and resorts. Many of the properties offer distinct opportunities for visitors to discover culture, culinary and wellness experiences within intimate accommodation properties.

​Lorine Charles-St. Jules, CEO of SLTA said “The motivations to choose a more intimate stay come from a range of reasons. It could be a desire to have total privacy, to celebrate a milestone event in a smaller setting or to bring extended families and friends together in a destination as special as Saint Lucia.” 

President of the Vacation Rental Association, Thomas Leonce said, "We look forward to sharing the many compelling attributes of Collection de Pépites with holiday makers both regionally and internationally."​

All participating properties have been accredited by the SLTA to provide an added layer of reassurance. Ongoing reviews and checks will take place to ensure quality control and safety management.
​
For more information and a list of properties, go to https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/collectiondepepite

​Wines often remind me of happy times overseas, and none more so than the fortified wines of Spain and Portugal. So I was happy to enjoy some of these delightful drinks which brought back great memories.
 
Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla is a crisp dry sherry that reminded me of early evening drinks after hot sunny days on the beach or exploring historic sites.

Established in 1792, Bodegas Hidalgo is one of the oldest Sherry producers in existence, it is widely regarded as the definitive Manzanilla house. Passing down from generation to generation, continuity and quality have always been the most important themes for the company, which today uses only grapes from their own vineyards in Jérez Superior.

It’s an ideal pre-dinner drink that sharpens up the appetite ready for the delights to come and especially good paired with tapas and fish dishes for which Spain is renowned.

Fonseca Siroco White Port is a lovely aperitif. Fonseca shipped its first vintage Port to London in 1840, and by the mid-19th century had established the House’s wines as some of the most sought after in England.

I first came across the idea of drinking a chilled light port before dinner on a trip to the Cape Verde Islands. The archipelago consists of ten islands some four hundred miles off the East African coast of Senegal - next stop Brazil.

Cape Verde was uninhabited until 1456 when it was discovered by Portuguese explorers, and was part of Portugal until 1975 when it became independent. On my first visit, most of the hotel guests were Portuguese and the hotel bar did a roaring pre-dinner trade in chilled light port. I was an instant convert to this delicious aperitif.

​Drink it on its own or poured over ice and topped up with tonic and a fresh mint leaf. Delicious.

Fonseca Bin 27 has been a long-time favourite of mine.  Port is synonymous with Portugal’s river Douro and the City of Porto where the river flows into the Atlantic. This Port brought back memories of a river cruise on the Douro, its steep banks lined with vineyards and the many Quintas that supply the wine and port trade.
 
It also reminded me of a trip to Macao, a semi-autonomous region of China, where I was given a glass of port at the end of dinner. If this sounds strange, it is worth remembering that Macao was Portuguese for 400 years and street signs in the city centre of the city are still in Portuguese, English and Cantonese. Indeed it is claimed that the best Portuguese ‘pastel de nata’ come from a bakery in Macao that was founded by an Englishman!
 
This full-bodied rich traditional port is a great after-dinner drink, and is everything you want a classic Port to be, perfect with cheeses such as Stilton and ideal with dark chocolate, especially Easter Eggs.
 
Do you need any more excuses to try these lovely drinks?
 
For more information on these and many other delightful wines, visit  www.mentzendorff.co.uk

​Visitors to St Lucia who have been fully vaccinated can now enter without hassle. The requirement for online registration and document upload (PCR tests and vaccine proof) has been removed.

Vaccinated travellers must only provide a valid vaccination record as requested on check-in, boarding, and entry to Saint Lucia. To qualify as fully vaccinated, travellers must have had the last dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a one-dose vaccine at least two weeks (14 days) before travel. Unlike most European countries, boosters are not required.

​In addition, travellers are no longer required to pre-register online prior to arrival in Saint Lucia. All arrivals are simply required to bring proof of vaccination status or test results as per protocols. International travellers and returning nationals just need to complete a Health Screening Form before disembarkation in Saint Lucia for ease of processing on arrival.

Don’t bottle it, get canned!
 
Travelling to Italy is still not as easy as it was, so here’s an excuse to flavour the Italian way of life without leaving home.

Canvino is a delicious new sparkling vegan wine in a recyclable can. Easier to transport than bottles, the cans are lightweight, easy to carry and the wine stays fizzy and cooler for longer. The wine is made from grapes sourced from a family-owned vineyard that has been making wine for a century using the traditional Charmat method.
 
Canvino offers both Rosé and Bianco, ideal for celebrations, indoors or outside. So, no need to check your vaccination certificates or fill in passenger locator forms, just go to https://houseofcanvino.com

Stuck for something special to do on Valentine’s day? Well, here’s an idea that’s hard to beat
 
Cunard is offering a four-night voyage to Hamburg on the world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2. You can even get married on board!

Guests will start the weekend with a welcoming bottle of sparkling wine in their room, can enjoy a plethora of activities on board and dance the night away at a spectacular gala ball.

Couples will get to spend a full day exploring idyllic Hamburg and can even leave a padlock on Love Lock Bridge!
 
For guests looking to tie the knot, Cunard also offers wedding packages, with unique extras such as scarlet uniformed bellboys escorting the bride to the ceremony, conducted by the captain.

Other treats on board include a couples’ seaweed massage in Cunard’s Mareel Spa, priced at $350 for 75 minutes and a decadent champagne afternoon tea, with Laurent-Perrier champagne, priced at
$34.50

Queen Mary 2’s Southampton – Hamburg – Southampton voyage departs 13 February and prices are from £379 per person.

 For more information, go to  https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/find-a-cruise/M205PM205P

Fancy a taste of Scotland without leaving home?

​Then welcome to Shore crisps, made in Wick in the north of Scotland. It’s just a few miles south of John o’Groats and on the North Coast 500, one of the best road trips in the world. Shore’s passionate team is on a mission to create an edible seaweed industry in Scotland that’s 100% sustainable.

​The crisps are made from edible seaweed that is good for the coastal environment and beneficial for their local rural communities. It’s a plant-based food of the future that is naturally nutritious, tasty and, above all, kind to the planet. ​The local waters are clean and cool with strong tides that provide the vital nutrients for their seaweed to feast on. Shore use this natural food to produce a range of crisps, clusters, pesto and tapenades that are full of nutrients, including iodine, antioxidants and prebiotic fibre. 

​Taste? Well I found them delicious, light and tasty, an ideal accompaniment for drinks and other snacks. Wick’s a long way away for many people, so thank goodness they are available from Sainsbury’s, Holland and Barrett, Amazon and Wholefoods, to name just a few. 

For more information and a list of outlets, visit shoreseaweed.com

​With holidays to America opening up, British tourists can now get into the spirit of things, literally, with Aloha 65. The unique drink was created by Brit barman, Stephen Thorpe, to help encourage visitors to his beach bar in Florida.

Thirty years later, and after numerous attempts, he came up  with a drink that met his high standards. 

​Aloha 65 is an all-natural spirit, 27% ABV  and made from six carefully selected fresh fruits, herbs and spices. Like gin, it starts as a neutral grain spirit which is then infused with botanicals that include pineapple, lemon, ginger and Scotch Bonnet chilli.

​The result is a deliciously different drink which can be enjoyed as a long drink with mixers or as an aperitif on its own with just ice.
 
Other recipes include Aloha Sangria, with red wine and juices, Aloha Matata, with an African twist of dark rum, lemon, cinnamon, apple juice and mint leaves, or perhaps an Aloha Mary which, as its name suggests, includes tomato juice, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, lemon and black pepper.

Which every way you take it, enjoy!
 
For more information and to purchase, go to https://aloha65.com

​Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national airline, has been recognised as the “Best Airline in Central Asia” in the Skytrax World Airline Awards for 2021. This makes eight wins in a row for the airline.
 
"Air Astana continued success in being named the Best Airline in Central Asia underlines the high standards of onboard product and front-line staff service that they provide to customers. This is a fabulous achievement despite the crisis the airline industry has faced in the last 18 months” said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax.
 
The airline’s President and CEO, Yorkshireman Peter Foster, added “In spite of the challenges of the pandemic, top quality service delivery has continued to be a priority. I would like to thank our customers for their loyalty, and also my colleagues, who have shown great dedication in challenging circumstances, and who, I am pleased to say, have almost all returned to full-time work.”
 
Foster was awarded the OBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2015 for services to British aviation in Kazakhstan. Air Astana is 49% owned by BAE Systems PLC.