What Was New: June 2006

6 June

Siem Reap – the benefits

"We decided it was a pity to be so close to Angkor Wat – considered to be one of the wonders of the world – and not go to see it. So towards the end of April 2006 we set out for the town of Siem Reap in Cambodia, just a few kilometres away from the Angkor complex." Dave and Kay explore what Siem Reap has to offer. . . Full story and pics here!
A Trip to Siem Reap

7 June

More than just Freddie Mercury...

"Over the past few years in particular the Sauti za Busara (Sounds of Wisdom) music festival has become increasingly popular within Tanzania and overseas. And for many years now the Swahili Music Festival has firmly established itself as one of East Africa's finest annual events." Ian Williamson in Tanzania looks at the vibrant music scene there.
The Music of Tanzania

8 June

What? No Lara Croft?!

"The entrance to the complex is controlled by a big tollbooth of the sort you get on motorway toll roads, bridges and tunnels in the UK. It costs $20 for a day pass, although you can save money by getting a three-day or week photo pass if you're keen to explore the whole place in depth. And with dozens of different buildings to look at, you could easily spend that long there if temples are your thing..." Dave and Kay go temple-hunting, but fail to find Angelina Jolie...
The Temples of Angkor

12 June

Love for the land...

"From 1 June, a major exhibition at Tate Britain of John Constable's seminal 'six-foot' exhibition canvases, 'Constable: The Great Landscapes', offers the first opportunity to view them all together. The 'six-footers' are among the best-known images in British art and comprise the famous series of views on the River Stour, which includes 'The Haywain' 1820-1, as well as more expressive later works such as 'Hadleigh Castle' 1829 and 'Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows' 1831. These paintings lie at the very heart of Constable's achievement. " Tim Batchelor, Co-curator of the 'Constable: The Great Landscapes' exhibition, examines Constable's life and some of the features of the exhibition.
Tate Online - Constable

Pic of the Week

How better to mark the Tate exhibition than by having his best-known work as our Pic of the Week?
The Haywain

13 June

Bine ati venit!

Ever thought of moving to Romania? You're in luck – much-travelled Romanian expat and travel writer Razvan Petrescu has sent us an excellent four-part introduction to his country. Find out all about Romania's background, revisit some of the stereotypes, explore the potential culture shocks – and, of course, check out the best places to live...
Introduction to Romania

19 June

Little treasures?

Our Child Psychologist in residence, Ruth Coppard, is back with more helpful advice to parents in dealing with child-related problems and worries. This month: expat kids and making friends; lying; and weight worries.
Help Me Help My Child

20 June

British – but Spanish too!

"We do not need to deny our origins or give up all those things that hail from 'home' – Marmite now in tubes is a clash of cultures but essential nonetheless – but petty nationalism is the fuel of the far Right and I thought we had all grown out of that. The founding fathers of the European Union envisaged a 'melting pot' of states where residents would be free to travel, live and work amongst the other states in a seamless and macro sense of freedom. " Mark F R Wilkins looks at what expat life means for a new generation of British Spaniards.
This Must Be New Spain

23 June

This hotel rocks!

"The Hard Rock Hotel is one of Pattaya's most upmarket hotels. The foyer is worth a visit even if only to look at the displays there. They have a host of pop memorabilia, from Elton John's platform-soled boots (funny how small his feet are) to Gerri Halliwell's purple dress!" Read our review here:
Pattaya – Hard Rock Hotel

24 June

Months of misery

"The shiny new front-door key we held in our hands, opened the door to a property situated close to the golfer's paradise of San Roque in southern Spain. My husband and I had bought a beautiful two-storey townhouse set high up on a hill, with a panoramic view of the three-hundred-year-old town. Little did we know that our place in the sun would turn into a nightmare." Carla Acheson tells the shocking story of how legal wrangles and bureaucracy have left a new development without water and electricity – for almost a year!
Squatters in our own homes

29 June

The lap of luxury

"A trip with Loyd & Townsend-Rose is a trip of a lifetime. If you're looking for castles to rent in Scotland, or want to relax for a couple of weeks in a villa in Italy, come and experience the opportunities for yourself. We look forward to welcoming you as one of our growing band of loyal and discerning luxury travellers." Find out more from Andrew Loyd:
Castles for Rent in Scotland