what’s on

BY CATHERINE HANLY

Krakow

tee off in Poland

The European Seniors Tour comes to Poland for the first time ever this year, where it’s hoped to bring Poland to people’s attention as a great golfing destination. To catch some top-notch golfers in action, head for the Krakow Valley Golf and Country Club from 30 May–1 June, where players like Ian Woosnam and Sam Torrance will compete for the €280,000 prize fund. www.europeantour.com

Aberdeen

Looking to boost your literary credentials? Head for Aberdeen from 9-11 May, where the Word festival promises a weekend of music, film, art and readings. Names confirmed so far include The One Show’s Hardeep Singh Kohli, Booker Prize winner James Kelman and Marvel comic book writer Mark Millar, whose graphic novel Wanted comes out in movie form this summer, starring Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman. www.abdn.ac.uk/word

how to…

… go road bowling. This peculiar Irish sport can be found mainly in the suburbs of Cork and around Westport and Ballina. Competitors have to hurl a small cannonball, called a “bullet”, down a country road as hard and fast as they can. The first person to get their ball past the finish line in the fewest shots, wins the “score” (match). Be sure to sound the part – the correct way to refer to the sport is to rhyme the word bowling with howling! www.irishroadbowling.ie

Palma

When David Beckham or Naomi Campbell want to take to the seas on holiday you won’t find them on any old floating gin palace. The only place for A-listers to be seen is on the deck of a superyacht. The toys of billionaires, superyachts sport basketball courts and cinemas as standard features – so keep an eye out when the Superyacht Cup comes to Palma from 11-14 June. Up to 35 of these ocean-going party pads are expected in Palma’s harbour for three days of racing – so the celebrities won’t be far behind. www.thesuperyachtcup.com/palma2008

Barcelona

love, then make up for lost time by heading for Barcelona where on 23 April every year they celebrate their own Lovers’ Day. The traditional gift to show your devotion on this day is a rose or a book, so make your way to the famous Las Ramblas where stall after stall of booksellers ply their wares to moon-eyed couples.

Bordeaux

Anyone who caught any of Oz and James’s Big Wine

Adventure on TV recently, could be forgiven for thinking that wine making and tasting is really only something for the boys. If you’re looking to find out more about wine, but would prefer to do it in the company of the fairer sex, why not sign up for a Women in Wine holiday? Run by specialist travel agency Bordeaux Label, there are two programmes planned for 2008: 25–27 April and 3–5 October. Expect guided tastings, tours of vineyards owned or managed by women… plus plenty of wine to wash it all down with. http://bordeauxlabel.fr

Newquay

Plenty of towns around Britain have May Day celebrations, but the good people of Padstow (about 25 minutes’ drive from Newquay in Cornwall) go one better, with the whole town partying from sunrise to sundown. Every part of the town is garlanded with flowers and budding branches while the locals parade their “’obby ‘osses” through the streets. Expect huge revelry and packed pubs as the “’osses” are stabled for the night, and the “riders” do the rounds of the local pubs. The celebrations end up with a midnight dance around the maypole. www.cornishlight.co.uk/ padstow-obby.htm

Manchester

Head to Manchester for a glamorous exhibition honouring the city’s most famous fashion export. Matthew Williamson: 10 Years in Fashion is the first ever retrospective of this exciting designer [left] whose creations have adorned celebrity fashionistas including Kylie, Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller. The exhibition is set to run until 21 September at Urbis, Manchester’s museum of urban life, located in Cathedral Gardens and open daily from 10am-6pm.

And best of all, entry is free! Tel: +44 (0)161 605 8200; www.urbis.org.uk

Hallowed be thy game

Head to the Vatican for a football tournament that’s truly divine

BY ANN MAHER, TCS

Football and Catholicism – Italy’s two main religions – will come together in Rome on May 3, for the final of a football tournament with a difference: every team in the Clericus Cup is made up of priests! The players – more than 300 from 50 countries – all attend seminaries in Rome, with one team even comprised of the Pope’s Swiss guards.

The season started in November 2007, and all games are played on two hilltop fields overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica. Kick-off is at 9am and 10:30a.m on Saturdays and 2:30pm and 3:45 p.m. on Sundays. There’s a no bad language rule, a “blue card” for players who foul (they can return to the game after five minutes of reflection in the “sin bin”) and each team’s half-time huddle includes prayers.

Despite a recent ban on raucous behaviour (residents near the playing field in the Vatican complained that fans and matches were too loud!), support from fellow competitors, nuns and bemused tourists is still colourful and passionate… even if “The Mother of the Church wants a goal!” is not the usual shout out from the terraces. www.csiroma.com

Hot hotels

Looking for a hotel for your city break? We’ve sourced the glammest hotels smack-bang in city centres

BY GEORGIA BARCLAY

Malaga

Perfectly positioned in the heart of Malaga – with the Picasso, Bullfighting and Contemporary Art museums all within a short stroll – is the Room Mate Lola.

The rooms have been transformed using a cool combination of black, white and chrome base and colourful highlights – plus a nod to the 1950s. Flat-screen TVs and free wireless internet are the norm in all rooms, but if you’re after a quiet reading area, check out the hotel’s oh-so-cool “chill-out” space. The freebies: Naff chocolates on the pillow at turndown have been ditched for yummy, crunchy green apples.

The deal: From €100 per night for a double room.

The details: www.room-matehotels.com

Warsaw

With views of Warsaw’s Old Town, you’re right in the middle of all the action at Le Régina. The 51 rooms are all colour-coded using a calming palette of vanilla and white, with bathrooms featuring pale sandstone and authentic Venetian mosaic. Serving up French food with a Polish slant, the hotel’s restaurant, La Rotisserie, is a favourite with locals.

The freebies: Take a dip in the glorious Roman-themed heated and enclosed pool.

The deal: From €150 per night for a double room.

The details: www.leregina.com

Lisbon

The Bairro Alto Hotel, in Lisbon’s bohemian quarter, began life in 1845 and quickly became a haunt for artists and writers. Muted tones of blue, red and yellow plus Brazilian wood floors add to the typical Portuguese feel. Comfy wicker armchairs on the sixth floor terrace afford spectacular views of the Tejo River below.

The freebies: As a hotel resident you’ll have access to the hotel’s Café Bar, where top DJs bring in the cool crowd on weekends.

The deal: From €260 per night for a double room.

The details: www..bairroaltohotel.com

Birmingham

Shopaholics will be thrilled checking into Malmaison Birmingham as it’s part of Birmingham’s renowned Mailbox shopping arcade. Rooms are cleverly designed to create a separate sleeping and lounging area, and are decorated using opulent fabrics in shades of chocolate, taupe and black. The hotel’s Petit Spa is a must after a hard day hitting the shops.

The freebies: In-room toiletries go the extra mile and include a naughty-but-fun, “Snog me senseless” breath freshener!

The deal: From £99 (€130) per night for a double room.

The details: www.malmaisonbirmingham.com

Bordeaux

Between Bordeaux’s botanical gardens and the Grand Theatre, La Maison Bord’eaux has been converted from an 18th century home and stable block [below right]. The contemporary décor of the spacious rooms – complete with oversized beds – contrasts elegantly with the original honey-coloured stonework of the walls.

The freebies: Brigitte Lurton, decorator and owner of the hotel, can organise tours to normally inaccessible private cellars of local vineyards. Plus there are Hermès toiletries in the bathroom.

The deal: From €180 per night for a double room.

The details: www.lamaisonbord-eaux.com

Prague

Situated just off Prague’s picture-postcard Nerudova Street, Hotel Sax is in a plum position between Prague Castle and the 14th century Charles Bridge. Don’t be deceived by the baroque façade of the exterior – inside the decor is funky, with original modern paintings and sculptures, and a striking glass atrium that floods the hotel with natural light. The freebies: Don’t miss “Tea at Five” for post-sightseeing/prepartying pastries and a glass of local wine.

The deal: From 4000Kc (€160) per night for a double room.

The details: www.sax.cz

5 minutes with Doug Christiansen

The Edinburgh Capitals player-coach talks to yeahbaby about hockey, heroes and haggis!

Describe ice hockey in five words Fast, physical, intense, fun, dynamic.

What can newcomers expect at a match? They can expect to see the fastest game on earth. The players are fantastic athletes and truly enjoy what they’re doing. The fans are always extremely loud and passionate about their teams. A game in the UK is something to experience!

What are the challenges of “away” games? Travel is very difficult – our closest trip is to Newcastle, which is over two hours away. Most of our trips are six hours. That amount of time on a bus can be taxing on a player’s body. It would be nice if we flew on bmibaby everywhere!

What’s your favourite rink in the UK?Our rink in Edinburgh, of course! However, if I had to pick another I’d say Nottingham. The fans are great and it’s a great building and atmosphere.

Who’s your favourite player of all time? Wayne Gretzky. He was so much better than everyone else. His vision was second to none and he could anticipate plays so well.

One to watch in the UK? Tony Hand – he’s called the British Gretzky and is the best player the UK has produced. He’s a treat to watch and a class act off the ice as well.

What are the biggest myths about ice hockey? The biggest myth is that hockey is a “goon” sport. The game’s developed so much in the last 20 years. The league has adopted new “no tolerance” rules, which make the games much faster, more exciting and better for fans to watch, especially families.

As a new arrival, what are the best things about living in Edinburgh? I still marvel at the Castle. Edinburgh is a world-class city. The people are great and the food is exceptional – I even eat haggis now! If pubs and clubs are your thing, you’ll always have a place to go as the city has a great nightlife.

Birthdate: May 23, 1978
Home town: Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, USA
Height: 6ft 5in
Team: Edinburgh Capitals
Position: Forward & coach

Gdanskv

To find out the ultimate things to see and do in Gdansk in April and May, yeahbaby spoke to Quintessentially, the world’s leading private members’ club and concierge service. With tips like these, how could you resist?!

the ultimate… place to stay

Nestled next to the quayside and yacht marina, Hotel Podewils (www.podewils.pl) is the most scenic, ornate and beautiful place to stay in Gdansk. Originally built in 1728 and perfectly restored after the war, the baroque mansion is decorated throughout with wonderful 17th century antiques and plush carpets, curtains and upholstery. Pure luxury. Address: ul. Szafarnia 2.

… bite to eat

Taking its name from a drink first concocted in Gdansk over 400 years ago, it’s clear how important authenticity is to the Goldwasser Restaurant. If you want to savour traditional Polish fare – which includes a sumptuous array of delicious pork, duck, wild boar and seafood dishes – then this is your place. While you’re there, why not indulge in a little nip of the eponymous drink? Goldwasser is a root and herbal liqueur that has thin flakes of 22 karat gold suspended in it. Many have tried it, many have fallen in love with it. Address: ul. Dlugie Pobrzeze 22.

… shopping

Travel a little way out of Gdansk, into the neighbouring Gdynia, and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts. The Hala Targowa, situated right next to the train station (between Radkego and Jana z Kolna), is an authentic Polish trading hall with an eclectic mix of independent traders selling all manner of oddities at their stalls. Address: ul. Jana z Kolna, Gdynia.

… night out

While Klubowa may look a Soviet-bloc era living space, this isn’t an unintentional faded remnant of communist Poland, but deliberately styled. You won’t find anything outdated in this bar and club, where the music and young crowd are thoroughly modern. Address: 1 Maja 3E, Sopot.

… for kids

One of the largest zoological gardens in Poland (and one of the best in Eastern Europe), Zoo (www.zoo.gd.pl) draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Its Children’s Zoo, filled with 50 or so friendly animals that young ones can feed and pet, is educational, but most of all fun! Address: ul. Karwienska 3.

… place for coffee

Stop off the at U Literatow café, a rather eccentric bolthole on the cobbled Mariacka street. The buzz of visiting fishermen chatting away adds to the infectious bohemian spirit of this charming café. Sip an espresso in the cheerful courtyard and soak up the atmosphere. Address: ul. Mariacka 50.

… local souvenir

Kashubian folk art may appeal to some, but amber – which is in great abundance across the city – is likely to appeal to all. Otherwise known as “Baltic gold”, you’ll find this gemstone in every shape and form. Roam the waterfront or art galleries for different varieties and gradings.

… photo op

St Mary’s Church in Gdansk is the largest brick church in the world. Yet its size does not detract from the brilliance of the artworks contained within the basilica, including masterpieces of medieval and baroque art. The 15th century astronomical clock by Hans Duringer is spectacular. Address: ul. Podkramarska 5.

For more information on Gdansk – or anywhere else in the world – Quintessentially offers an unrivalled global network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Tel: +44 (0)870 850 85 85; www.quintessentially.com

*bmibaby flies to Gdansk from Cardiff and EMA from just £21.99 inc taxes. Go to bmibaby.com for more details