The Sands of Le Cap d'Agde Beach

Le Cap d'Agde

We went in May and it was gloriously hot.Staying in a friends apartment at the southern end of the 'Richelieu' harbour.Overlooking the Aqua park,harbour and of course the sea.And just a short enjoyable stroll from all the bars and restaurants.

The beach at this end had lovely pale yellow sand,and it was hopping hot to the shoreline.The water was nice and shallow,so family friendly.You get a 'Count of Monte Cristo' view of the 'Fort de Brescou',just off from the beach.Right on the beach close to the dunes was a little cafe on stilts with sunlougers.We quenched ourselves with 'panache'(shandy) and 'kir'(white wine with cassis).Oh!So very French of us.There's shower points at the gaps through the dunes from the beach.

While at the Northern end it's volcanic black and rocky.Great for Diving and snorkeling.With a Snorkel safari trail guiding you to display all the various little creatures and life around there.Perfect for a safe exploration of the shallow water life.

All the water sports are on offer.Especially Windsurfing.Since this little Cap does get its fair amount of wind.Though not sandblast strength,so it is still good for sunbathing.

Le Cap d'agde is very cycle and walking friendly.As it has cycle and footpaths leading off everywhere,giving you an abundance of choice of many scenic journeys.It is indeed a pleasure just to lazily stroll/cycle around the place.All of this is interlaced with green parks off from the beach.

Despite being much aligned in many books that I have read.We had a relaxing and very enjoyable time here.

Fun in the Cap d'Agde sun

From Sunrise to Sunset,Beachy Head to Birling Gap

A good walk,short drive or bus journey from the centre of Eastbourne is Beachy Head.One of Britain's highest chalk cliff walks,and a National Park to boot.With far reaching views over the sea,and from Eastbourne stretching all the way to Hastings.Which is indeed a sight to see at Sunrise.

You can also reach it by walking along the beach at low tide.Though be careful of the tides!You don't want to be trapped by an oncoming tide.

Beachy Head is so picturesque it has been used as a location for many movies,from James Bond to Harry Potter.

However it is a beauty spot with a dark side.With ghost stories and unfortunately a suicide spot.There's little crosses dotted along the cliffs edge.In memory to these lost souls.

Back to a lighter side.If your in need of refreshment there's a pub next to the main car parks.

If you're up here during Airborne.Which is again the biggest FREE airshow in the country.You will experience the thrill of the planes screeching just overhead.

Walk,cycle,drive or whatever all the way around this lush,windswept tree peninsular.Passing by a lighthouse and Para gliders to Birling Gap.With yes another pub(and Hotel).Down on the beach another natural phenomena.A white rocky reef,visible at low tide.

Time it right for the Sunset,and you will be in for a Sunset spectacular.As the red orange sun sizzles into the icy blue sea.

Blogs about Beachy Head

Some good Beachy Head photos

Heviz Hotel review

Rogner Hotel and spa Lotus Therme

Passing on by the Heviz lake for the time being,coming from Lake Balaton.We entered the Hotels grounds through a security checkpoint(To keep out the riff raff).Alongside the road was a canal brimming with water lillies.With a gardener up to his waist in weeding,wearing chest high fisherman wellies.Passing through the vast car park crammed full of BMW's and Mercedes with German number plates.

I drove straight up the hill,around a little roundabout at the top.Plonking our little red Clio right in front of the large reception glass doors.Then striding into the huge expanse of the welcoming lobby.A fresh cooling contrast to the stickiness outside.

"Guten Tag"(in Hungary!)

Surprised to be greeted in German.This would become a common occurrence,not only in the Hotel,but in this part of Hungary.The Hotel is Austrian owned,so well marketed over there it seemed.As it was overflowing with our Germanic neighbours.I was the only British person,and my wife 1 of only a handful of Hungarians.(Other than the staff,who spoke impeccable German,but were relieved to converse in Hungarian and practice English).

The receptionists face immediately opened up.1st after my feeble attempts at Hungarian,and realising I was English.So she promptly re spun the introduction in English.Then when my wife stepped in,she was overjoyed to speak in Hungarian.

The porter who had helped us with our bags to our room,didn't even wait for a tip.Though I had been fumbling for it in 1 of my bags.Honest!

Our room was larger than our studio flat in Brighton.Complete with a King size bed,white cotton linen and white curtains draped over the French windows leading onto the balcony,overlooking the pool and gardens(the Hotels main focus).We immediately opened up the doors,made ourselves 1 of the complimentary healthy teas.And lounged on the comfy study chairs on the balcony(a lovely warm sun trap)gazing upon the view.Ahh!!!

Since we had arrived late.We decided to forgo the pleasure of the pool for the time being.Instead just to relax here,before showering and getting tarted up for the evening.

Beginning with a complimentary drink in the Cocktail bar(Rude to say "no").Then moving on to the restaurant,with both an inside and outside area.We stayed outside to enjoy the early evening.The warmth of the dying sun on our skin,accompanied with a slight fresh breeze.Sampling the local wines and the 'a la carte'menu.With a wide selection of Continental and Hungarian specialities.I had just missed out on the Balaton fish(carp) soup.Though they reassured me that I would have it tomorrow.And this I surely did.Although the restaurant was almost full to capacity,during our little stay.It never felt crowded and noisy.There was a Hungarian Gypsy band playing.Though not coming around to your table,until you paid them to leave.Like what you might find in some too touristy place in Budapest.

The following morning we were awoken before our alarm.By conversations down by the pool,since we had left our window open.Though we had wanted to wake up early to enjoy our only full to the max.This seemed a bit too extreme.I stared at the time through sleepy eyes.Don't people realise they're on holiday.Dragging myself away from the comfort of the firm bed and warmth of my wife.With a coffee in hand,to force myself awake.To see who these early risers were.Naturally they were middle ages Germans performing their early morning exertions(exercising,dancing in the pool and singing).More energy than me!

Venturing down for Breakfast.With once again a bountiful of provisions on hand.We sat outside in the full heat of the morning sun,dripping with sweat.

This spurred us into the main activity of the day.Enjoying the pool.All the thermal water coming from Heviz itself.We set up station on a couple of sun loungers.My wife went off for more drinks.While I dived in for instant refreshment.The pool was round like a roundabout with a little island in the middle,spruced up with flowers.To one side a swimming channel led off under a footbridge to the indoor pool and spa.Beyond the pool area were the grounds like a country park.Paths leading off,bushes and trees abounded and sun loungers scattered everywhere.

We stayed outside until about midday.Lounging and daydreaming,interspersed with swimming spells.While sipping a few non and alcoholic beverages(were not alcoholics you know!)

Then we swam through to the inside.Entering into a blue tiled pool with a fresher feel.At the head of it,a raised jacuzzi.While to the side,around the corner were 2 more thermal pools.The furthest being the hottest.There were a handful of people enjoying the various sensations in each pool.Behind the jacuzzi,through a series of doors was the sauna section.With a variety on offer(Swedish,aromatherapy,colour therapy and a Turkish steam bath).Through another door,we stumbled upon a nudist colony.Hmmm!Lots of middle aged well fed naked people.We decided to forgo these pleasures,and instead limiting our indulgence with the saunas.

Then swimming back outside to laze by the pool again.Before walking to the Heviz lake.

Back at the Hotel and gorging on another dinner(fish soup).Staying up till quite late enjoying the warm summer air next to the pool.While continuing with our tour of the local wines.The only noisy distraction,believe it or not.Was a loud Japanese group playfully jumping in and out of the pool.But in a very polite wayof course.

We awoke the next day,with that dreaded feeling that our'Escape had come to an end'.And the realities of life have captured us again.So with a longing in us to stay and do it all over again.We had to leave.But until next time!

Trip advisor reviews

Blissful at Heviz

Gently floating around Heviz(healthy water)lake is indeed a blissful feeling.Soaking up the August suns rays while admiring the more than picture perfect surreal 360 degree view as we bobbed along.Accompanying the fine steam rising from the lake(in Winter,thicker more like a fog),hundreds of tiny little birds darting and dive bombing across the lake.

We had eagerly descended down some steps into the lake from the main building.With big black doughnut shaped inflatables.Half expecting a chill from the water(though we had been reassured it was around 28 degrees),but not at all.Instead being greeted with more like a warm and comforting bath.

We lazily swam around.Well as best as you can when you have a big inflatable wrapped around you.After about 20 minutes,we started to feel a lovely warm tingling sensation in our arms and legs.Having begun in our feet 1st.This as well as occasionally feeling little bubbles rising up from the depths.

The lakes surface was densely scattered with many varieties of water Lillie's.Native white,Egyptian and Indian red water Lillie's which had been brought from India in 1898.They have a slight sweet aroma.With their long thick stalks extending deep down.Being very careful not to bump into them,as they are protected.So your not allowed to pick off the flowers and stick them in your hair.As a group of Italians had done.Though they declared that it was already broken.

The main building that spans the lake is more Asian than European looking,with pagoda like spires atop at various junctures and at its extremities.Inside you will find the changing rooms,along with all manner of spa,massage and medicinal treatments available(ours was the floating option).

Around the lakes edge on its grassy banks are holiday chalets,changing rooms and cafes in the same oriental style.

Heviz is near the north western end of Lake Balaton,which is south west from Budapest.It is the largest biologically active natural thermal lake in Europe.The lakes source(spring) is actually a geyser,while the lake is its upside down crater.This water flow completely replenishing itself everyday,and along with its mud is slightly radioactive.But don't worry,you won't glow in the evening.

Its medicinal benefits have been known and used for centuries.At least since the Romans.Rehabilitating and preventing Rheumatism,locomotor,muscle and nervous system disorders.Even Gynaecological problems.

After an hour more or less,we felt tingly,warm and heavy all over.With the sun beginning its fall to night,feeling the warmth of the day fading.Giving way to the Summer evenings slight chill.This was our cue to unfortunately leave and return to our Hotel.We were also bloody hungry.

So if you would like feel at least 10 years younger,but without the TV coverage.Take the plunge!Go and dive into Heviz!You will at least feel blissfully relaxed.And maybe this is the main key to its health giving properties anyway.

Health and happiness at Heviz in Hungary

Review of Heviz

Ghosts in Brighton

As we arrived back,late at night at the 'Iron duke' pub,Where we were staying. We heard an eerie inhuman screech,coming from the dark passageway next to the church,which was opposite the pub.With its clock stuck just before 12.

We decided to have a nervous look into the dark depths.Just to check that nobody was in trouble.Finding nothing and not hearing anything else.

So confused,we went back into the pub.A little while later.Our other 2 mates arrived.Immediately and excitedly repeating exactly the same story as ours.What on earth was it?

The following evening,only 3 out of 4 of us returned.Upon arriving into our shared room of 4 beds.I went to visit the bathroom.

After coming back,my mates said that the light was still on.We could see from outside our window,the bathroom window.As it was diagonally opposite.So I went back and switched the light off again.Only to find out again upon my return,that the light was on again.(This was strange,because there was nobody else staying at the pub at that time).

Getting very suspicious now,but reluctantly venturing back.I also had a little wander around to see if anybody was lurking around.Nothing!Double checking to make really sure that this damn light was off.Yes it definitely was.So confidently strolling back to our room.But surprisingly the light still shone.Well,I'm not going back out there again.

Obviously,this was all very strange indeed.Thinking that somebody might be playing a prank on us or something else.

It was a warm August evening,so our window was open.Just in case somebody/thing tried to enter in through.We lined up a load of empty cans on the window sill.So they would crash off and alert us to this possible attack.

After chatting for a while.We turned off our room's light.But just a short time later,we heard slow creaky footsteps in the hallway,coming from the direction of the bathroom.Creeping along the length of our room and reaching our door.Then the door knob frantically being shook,as somebody trying to get in(we had already locked it,naturally).Eyes wide open and staring at one another.We nervously asked who it was,but no reply.There was just silence and no footsteps away.Nothing!

After a long time waiting for something,anything.But still nothing.We pushed one of the beds up against the door.However with sleep finally catching up with us,we started to drop off.When the cans crashed onto the floor.Phew!It was just the wind?

Once again drifting off.Then waking up with alarm as the door was forcibly pushed open and the bed shoved back into the room.'Women and children 1st,Sacrifice Dave(he was the closest),they're finally coming for us.No valour,out of the window.However it was just the 4th member of our group returning.Bastard!

We explained what had happened to the owners in the morning.They knew nothing about it,and stated again that we were the only people staying there at the moment.We obviously spent our remaining few nights there wearily.However nothing else happened.This though had been a very strange few nights,and to this day we don't know what it was.A ghost?Maybe.

This happened a long time ago.Way before the present owners.As you can see in my photo of the more intact west pier.

Though apparently Brighton and Sussex does have its fair share of ghosts.There is even a ghost walk and ghost hunters.You can even find a very good book on the subject called Haunted Brighton.

The lanes ghost walk review

Northern Cyprus dive

After asking in the hotel about diving.I had been introduced to Tuncay.A well built and friendly ex Turkish special forces,who had just opened his own dive school.So he had all brand new shiny equipment.We had agreed to dive early the following morning,meeting at the the outside pool.

Starting off with a dive into the March Winter cold pool.One way to wake up!Then performing all the regular pre dive checks.I even left on a pair of socks,when I got kitted up as he had recommended due to the cold water.

We strode off down the beach to the waters edge.Fins on and entering in backwards,a short way.Then turning with face mask on and regulator in,swimming straight into the light surf.Gradually sinking as the beach sloped down between the rocky reefs.Practicing controlling my buoyancy with my breath.

We paused next to one of the reefs,as he pointed out an Octopus hiding in a crevice.Finally noticing its bulging eye staring out at me.Then he picked up a clam,what the Octopus was probably waiting for.Showing it to me and then handing it to me.Ooh!That's nice!But with one powerful pulse,off it went.D'oh!

Continuing on and floating over a deep drop,before the next hill.We then descended to the deepest part of the dive at 13 metres.When I started gasping for air.It was getting harder and harder to breath the cold dry air.Fortunately I had a good buddy.He looked back at me,noticing that something was up.After seeing me give the out of air signal.Immediately came over,giving me his spare regulator.While checking on mine.There was plenty of air!After fiddling with it,air started flowing again.Plonking it back in,checking I was and everything okay.We continued on.

After swimming around for awhile,noticing all the little fishes darting around.He suddenly grabbed hold of me,and looked down.What the hell was going on?Something beneath us?While at the same time we were ascending,until finally breaking the surface.My weight belt had fallen off!He went back for it,while I bobbed about.Even my wife had spotted us,wondering what was going on,while having a drink on the hotels terrace.

He arrived back.Not with the belt but a boulder.For me to hold onto,helping to weigh me down.So we could head back,while still underwater.Then once again my air supply started to falter.He was right next to me,so quickly checked and fiddled with it.It started flowing again.So we decided to go for a more direct route back over the rocky reef,with my boulder in hand.

Finally reaching the beach,but leaving the boulder behind.Bloody hell!It was heavy.I couldn't even carry it out of the water.We then trundled back up the beach to the Hotel.

This had definitely been an interesting 1st dive after passing my Padi Open water course.

Our Hotel was the Palm Beach Hotel,an Art deco affair.Which was in Famagusta,on the Turkish part of Cyprus.Right next to the border.Literally here,a barbed wire fence cut along the beach,continuing on into the sea.Just a few 100 metres away from the Hotel.On the other side of the fence 'Varosha'.A ghost(resort)town.An entire long sweeping sandy Hotel lined beach.Out of reach!Not a single soul,apart from a few Turkish officers and patrolling soldiers.While even on this side,we were also next to disused Hotels and apartment blocks.

The best travel guide on North Cyprus I found was from Bradt.As for background reading on Cyprus as a whole you can't beat Lawrence Durrell's 'Bitter Lemons of Cyprus'.

Famagusta-history of a 'prince of walled cities'

Siofok at Lake Balaton

Arriving at the popular resort town of Siofok on Lake Balaton's southern shore.(It's the largest freshwater lake in Europe outside of Scandinavia).Which is about 1 and a half hours drive south west from Budapest.Finding our way easily to the Aranypart(golden beach).After parking(free).We quickly get changed in a most undignified English manner(with no changing room),and hurry off to the lake.Due to our urgent need for total refreshment,after a long hot drive.A dive into the lake.

A wide stone paved promenade runs along the lakes edge,with boulders of various sizes sinking into the water.Interspersed with steps to enter the lake from.To the other side,a grassy park area dotted with trees for sunbathing,picnics and social gathering.

The southern shore is popular for families,because it's shallower and steepens more gradually than its opposite number.Right close to the shore it's only about half a metre deep,and for up to about 500 metres out before you really need to swim.The whole lake itself is not very deep(averaging 3.2 metres),and so often freezes over during the Winter.

The view of the promenade,notwithstanding the blocks of holiday flats(a mixture of modern with communist era).Looks like many Croatian town seafronts(paved promenades lining the shores,with no natural beach).

Hungary has a Mediterranean feel to it.Cafe culture abounds in the cities and towns.While here,a bathing culture,posing along the promenade and people watching.Are the main activities enjoyed by the full spectrum of ages.

Its nicely busy,not overcrowded.For it's only midweek.Though naturally busier and nosier on weekends.When the young folk come in their droves.To not only enjoy the lake but also for Siofoks party scene.While with none of the noise and drunken groups which you would find,say on Brighton beach.

So 1st things 1st.We find our little patch(with shade),next to a tree.Dump our stuff,and ask a nice couple to look after it.And head off to cool down.Striding off(posing!)along the promenade to the closest steps that take us to the warm,shallow and smooth water.Ahhh!!!The water is about 27-28 degrees(Celsius),which is about average through summer.

The waters smoothness is apparently due to its high levels of hydro carbonates,magnesium.calcium and sulphates.It's also drinkably clean.This is because of lengthy and expensive environmental work.Which is checked by experts from outside of the country,and published by the German automobile club(ADAC).It's also for this reason that motorboats are forbidden on the lake.Though water skiing is still possible by a means of electrical traction,available at Siofok.

Naturally all water sports are possible.Including sailing,windsurfing and fishing(carp,catfish and pike-perch).It's also possible to cycle around the entire lake.

After a refreshing swim and a frolic with my wife.We reluctantly head back to our little patch,to dry off.And to indulge in my wife's hobby,sunbathing.While people watching all the beautiful people posing past and daydreaming in the suns rays.

Balaton tourism