Fame! I'm Gonna Learn How to Fly....

Do you remember the first time you wanted to learn how to fly? From screen to stage, some of us will remember Fame from the 80's TV hit, others from the stage show musical or the re-adapted more recent movie.

I'm a first time around dreamer. Every Thursday night, armed with my own teenage dreams from the sofa, dressed in my maroon Fame sweater and captivated by the signature theme words of Lydia Grant in the Fame dance studio, “You’ve got big dreams? You want fame? Well, fame costs. And right here is where you start paying in sweat”...cue music, star jumps and happy tunes!

That was New York School of Performing Arts, PA, in the 80’s. This time around, PA was transformed at Belfast's urban shared-activity space in the Titanic Quarter, T13, and the stars were some 80 local children from 10 to 22, all with their own dreams. Headline sponsored by Belfast City Airport and produced by MT4Uth, the kids and their dreams were about to find out if they could learn how to fly, and it wasn't going to be easy.

Auditions were held at George Best Belfast City Airport in June. And they were no ordinary auditions - young hopefuls, from all over the Province, live-auditioned in song and dance trials to audiences of summer check-in and arrival passengers to the airport. 

But, incredibly, it was only I week before curtain that the casting was actually completed!  A week-long boot-camp of rehearsals and non-stop professional choreography and mentoring to children who may never have acted or danced before. This is as real as the Fame experience gets - one week to produce a 2 night show of one of the most famous dance musicals of all time!

Michelle Hatfield, Director of HR and Corporate Responsibility at BCA is delighted that the airport was involved as the headline sponsor, “The airport’s partnership with MT4Uth has allowed us to play such a significant role in supporting and developing this incredible talent” 

The Dream came from Music Theatre for Youth, CEO Jenny Cook. Now on its 8th anniversary, patronised by musical stars such as Chris de Burgh and Niamh Perry, MT4Uth was borne from a vision of educating, training and networking young people, from all backgrounds, to achieve their dreams. Jenny’s commitment to the young people of Ireland in the Arts is exemplary and MT4Uth is the platform for apprentice programmes, outreach initiatives and productions since 2005, funded and supported by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Believing in the dream had endless support. A line up of local business leaders joined Belfast City  Airport as the headline sponsor to help fund and make the event possible. George Best Belfast City Airport is active in community support with more than £100, 000 already invested in projects. As well as transforming the airport to a temporary stage school for Fame auditions, apprenticeship opportunities with MT4Uth will follow through into 2014.

And did they achieve? Only real dreams can make the impossible possible. An exceptional cast with formidable determination and passion, the focus and success defied their young age. The show was perfectly staged in the gritty graffiti setting of the H&W shipbuilding turned skate-park, T13, the cast were script perfect and the dance and song was executed flawlessly. Had I had my leg warmers, I would have been tempted to join them on stage! 

I was delighted to be invited to cover the show. Fame was one of my childhood dreams, but now one of Belfast’s most aspirational and inspirational projects for young people this year. A great example of ‘Go big, or go home’. MT4uth is an inspiration to local business to help support the dreams and talent of NI young people. Belfast City Airport is proud to have been involved in this very special project, and look forward to many more. 

Thank you, too, for the opportunity to cover the production and blog my dreams!

'Till next time, Pandora

Time for a Pawse - Pet-Friendly Ireland, Puppies Wot Brunch

Lazy Sundays. They're probably the best day of the week. The wind down from a busy Saturday, one you promised yourself you would take easy, and the rest ahead of another hectic Monday to Friday. Sundays are sacrilege, in my week and, with it, the Sunday ritual. 

As a hobby blogger, my weekends in general have pre-planned coffee stops and writing time built in to my blackberry. How would these weekend essential work out, now had the company of a cute puppy in tow? 

Well, they work out just fine. A few tweaks and change of venue, but blogging and relaxation outdoors continues and Nacho is a bone fide puppy wot brunches at the super pet-friendly Birdcage in Belfast

Birdcage is perfectly equipped for passing pet-owners and they are onto a very good thing. Their spacious terrace is a delight in the sunshine, and has the option of outdoor heaters and snug fleecy blankets when the chill returns.

Nacho actually made his first visit here the very first day he came home to Belfast, so I guess he has a special love for it. The girls are incredible with him and always welcome him with a smile and a chat, so Birdcage quickly took top spot for the weekend brunch stop. 

No sooner has he crossed the terrace, Nacho gets presented with a bright doggy bowl of water. 

I can coffee, blog, brunch and lunch and the scrummy chicken has more than once made its way home for Nacho's evening snack!

Sunday Eggs Benni are uninterrupted. Bloody Mary emergencies are a safe bet. Afternoon mocktail and cocktail jam jar coolers are go! 

Coffee culture, weekend relaxing and a puppy - there is no need to think they can't all happen as one! 

'Til next time, Pandora (and Nacho)

Time for a Pawse - Pet-Friendly Ireland, Life's a Beach in County Down

It's been a fabulous summer and perfect weather to take time out from the park, to let the puppy find his sea legs. Nacho ventured to Dundrum, a favourite spot for Sunday lunch at the delicious Mourne Seafood, followed by an afternoon of sea air and splashing in the stunning Murlough Beach.

Our usual visit to Mourne Seafood close to home, in Belfast city centre. But, hearing news of their new outside terrace in Dundrum, I was delighted to get the green light to come for lunch in the sun, with full puppy permission. 

The terrace is roadside, but large enough to get seated at the back and, with a well behaved pup, you can follow a walk in Dundrum Bay with a relaxing lunch, al fresco. The staff at Mourne Seafood are renown for their knowledge of the menu and impeccable service.

The chef skills go without saying, everything on the menu is outstanding, and even better with a crisp glass of white, in the sunshine.

Nacho wasn't the only pup on the terrace, and both were presented with big bowls of water to keep them refreshed from the heat. I'm not going to lie, an interest in the great smelling food was a challenge to distract his attentions, but there is a time for dog owners to have their own territories and a plate of Mourne Seafood oysters and Guinness is right up there!

There are a number of pet-friendly cafes advertised through the town of Dundrum, so worth a wander if a cuppa is what you are after.

The drive from Dundrum to Murlough Nature Reserve is just a few minutes away. A National Trust conservation area, it's awash with protected wild flora and fauna and is a stunning walk. Reaching the beach is a little hilly, if you have any mobility challenges, but the walkway is covered with a wooden boardwalk, and easily manoevered.

There are some restrictions on when dogs are allowed on the beach, as it is a blue flag beach, but there were many there in August and, like everywhere I have been in Northern Ireland, dog owners were all very responsible in keeping the beach spotless.

An intricate sand dune system borders over 5 miles of soft sand. The sea is fresh and cold, but picture perfect, as it runs right to the foot of the Mourne mountains. The views are spectacular and the space is vast. An amazing day out that will exercise and thrill your four-legged friend, and will be a very quick favourite place!

'Til next time, Pandora (and Nacho)

Time for a Pawse - Pet-Friendly Ireland, A Dog's Life is a Good Life in Belfast

This year I became a mum. And, like everyone tells you, it totally changed my life. But, I'm speaking as a mum of the four-legged type, the cutest miniature dachshund puppy you could ever find. Too cute not to spoil and too loveable not to be slotted in to your everyday life.

Now, almost 6 months on, I'm learning how easy (or not) it is to wholly integrate even the cutest of puppies into your pre-puppy lifestyle. 

My lifestyle and timeout hasn't changed. My choices have. My new canine priorities have some limits and I have quickly learned to appreciate and applaud the pet friendly patrons of home. They deserve acknowledgement and praise and, through a new series of pet friendly posts, I want to share the wins for dog owners that I find on my search not to feel like I have been put in the dog house, just because my new best friend is with me!

This weekend is the perfect place to start. A return to the stunning grounds of Belfast Stormont Estate for a long puppy walk in the sunshine.  

Stormont is impressive for anyone, but it is a Mecca for dog owners. Dawn to dusk opening hours, woodland walks of 4km through the estate with stunning statues, gardens and castle buildings.

The simple 1 mile stretch along Prince of Wales Avenue to the striking Northern Ireland Assembly in the Parliament Building is a shared route for joggers and dog walkers, lined on either side by greenery to take stop, play ball or walk through.

Stormont promotes responsible dog owners. Waste bags are provided in bins and I am delighted that it sponsors a environment of ownership and cleanliness. 

The grounds are kept this stunning as a result of this, and is testament to how pleasant a morning or weekly visit to the grounds can be for everyone.

There is nothing like a 2 mile jaunt to start your day and set you and the puppy up for the weekend! More to come...

'Til next time, Pandora (and Nacho)

Pay it Forward - Temptation to Travel with Triptease

A few months back I was invited to guest blog for Triptease. I was delighted. Triptease had me well and truly seduced for some time, with its sexy images and travel-titillating prose. Anyone who's in the who's-who of the jetset, they're pretty much full-on Tripteasers. It's the travel place to be and be-seen.

My Triptease seduction was instant. There was no stopping me. In fact, I had 100 notches on my ever-changing hotel bed to show for it. I was a Triptease Centurion, immortalised in the blog of fame for my wanderlust (http://triptease.com/blog/?p=275 ...have a nosey).

Well, like most addictions, now I'm hooked. I'm almost half way to my next century run and, everyday, I earn more virtual air miles from the comfort of my sofa, through the experiences of my fellow Tripteasers. Everyday my bucket-list runneth over, into a new bucket.

Triptease makes my dreaming easy. The new Collections feature, launched earlier this month, allows me to me save my best in one easy place and add the best of the rest to my personal lists. 

My Teases might make their way to others' Collections, I can share Collections and I can search Collections. It's genius!

City, beach, photography, hotel, restaurant....take your pick, find your favourite, make your next big tripteased plan. 

I have two. Some local London rooftop dining later, this month, and some far off sand duning in Abu Dhabi. I cannot wait to seek out my Tripteased tips and share my own.

But, don't think Triptease is only for the roamers of the world. Travel doesn't have to always invole your passport. There are as many teases about home as there are about far off shores. I'm now on a mission to bring my best of homegrown Teases from Ireland, to bring the sexy back to the Irish Charm and show travel to and from my own doorstep.

Be daring. Kick off your first rendez-vous at www.triptease.com
This is one affair you can have guilt-free, indulge your inner Tease.

'Til next time, Pandora.

My Highs in the Skies - the best bits of flying business

You may often hear me say how blessed I feel to be able to travel so far afield for work. Travel is an experience, every component of travel plays an important role in how the experience unfolds. We spend so much time shortlisting where we visit and where to spend our holidays, research for weeks on which hotels to stay in and what to do when we arrived but how much time do we take to assess the best experience to get there and home?

After another month of multiple flights from one continent to another, I wonder, how much importance we give to the journey, or is every airline the same as the next?

Flying Business and above is a treat, not something most of us do all the time. Every frequent flyer of business has their preferred airline du choix, for different reasons, many for their miles and perks but, having flown with a number of the most known airlines carriers, I can attest that it is not always the same experience. At different points of the experience, some excel more than others. If I'm about to embark on the trip of a lifetime, I want to be sure I get the best from home to hotel. 

Not being number one doesn't make it a bad experience but, if i consider the end to end journey, this is what my wish list for smooth travel from my most used airlines, this year.

Arriving in style - travel begins from the moment you leave your house. For business there is typically ongoing work and multi tasking as you get to and from airports. For holiday, you want to start the distress as soon as possible. 

1. Etihad Airways,  a great business chauffeur service from home to airport, and optional airport meet and greet, even for transfers. 

2. Virgin Atlantic, another great chauffeur service, although no ongoing airport assistance services.

3. British Airways, oddly no car service in Club World which is a miss by comparison to other airlines.

Checking In with ease - queues can add hours to your pre-flight time, so having dedicated business check in is so convenient. 

1. British Airways, domestic or international the priority queues for executive club and business travel is always efficient and incredibly friendly. 

2. Etihad Airways, fast and friendly in UK and the Abu Dhabi hub, but less amicable at extended country service desks where it's very run of the mill.

3. Singapore Airlines, similar to Etihad, something goes amiss out of country and service varies.

4. Virgin Atlantic, regrettably service is vanilla and, for me, can be very hit and miss for friendliness. Maybe there is a higher expectation for Upper Class, but it falls short to others of this level.

Lounging - I love allowing time to relax over a quiet drink before I board. Lounge access is key when you travel between countries with delays and cancellations. Some are better equipped that others... 

1. Etihad Airways,  dedicated lounges are fantastic. Abu Dhabi can get very busy, but once your rewards status promotes to the First Class lounge it is an oasis of calm and a joy to reach after a long haul flight. Great private dining, food of high end restaurant quality, sleep rooms and the plus of spa treatments and experience showers

2.  Virgin Atlantic, little beats the Clubhouse experience. It's got it all, and then some. Total va va voom, although not all are consistent in style and facilities as Heathrow.

3. Cathay Pacific, 1 haven't found the same experience as many others with Cathay business service, by comparison to other airlines, but their lounges and dining in Hong Kong are spectacular. 

4. British Airways, really good lounges with fab champagne bars. Buffet dining is good, a la carte is a nice surprise. They cater as lounges for large volumes of pass through passengers though and so lack a personal touch to prevent it feeling so transit-like. Smaller lounges have limited catering and tends to be sweet and snacks.

5. Singapore Airlines, like BA they are designed for transit and the lounges are maybe  not reflective of the in-flight service.

Where it matters most, at 30,000 feet!

1. Etihad Airways, when you are greeted at the door by name, you know things have just got personal. Friendliness and one on one care is non stop for the duration if your flight. By far Etihad also have the best concept for in-flight dining, with dine anytime. You are in control of when and what you eat, no restrictions. Business cabins are spacious and comfortable with padded duvets and good flatbeds. Dining is silver service and food is as good as you'll find on terra firma. Take it up another notch whn you travel in First with private cabins and a chef service to bespoke your meal and free inflight wifi.

2. Singapore Air, definitely the winner for space with double person width seats that transform to wide flat beds. Silver service dining, although it doesnt have the Etihad flexibility on anytime dining. 

3. VirginAmerica, first class cabin is like a space odyssey.  Just a few so service is attentive. Add mood lighting, white leather, reclining and free inflight wifi, this feels like a nightclub in the sky!

4. British Airways, clubworld design is a little invasive on privacy, as the seat dividers are raised and dropped for every query and meal serving. Not good when seated beside a stranger who also has to step over you to get to the aisle. Dining falls short of expectation. Menu choice is limited and first come first served, until stock is gone. Dining is at a fixed time, and self serve snacks disappear quickly.  

5. Cathay Pacific, least impressive and a little tired

6. Virgin Atlantic, upper class might have led the field in its hey day, and 5years ago been closer to my number one. But other airlines are as good, and better, today. Crew service skills is the let down, not attentive regardless of the class you travel in.

Like everything, if you could package up the best bits there would be a perfect travel experience. Or maybe there is, and I just haven't found it yet!? I'm sure I will have plenty if opportunity.

'Til next time, Pandora

Made in Manila

 Any frequent traveller to Asia knows what to expect when it comes to food. Breakfast to midnight snacks, the obvious choice is the endless array of rice, noodles, sushi and sashimi, dim sum....the list goes on, but the authenticity of the eastern staple will stop you in your tracks with taste.

Manila is no exception for all of the above. Filipino food, as a rule, is good also, but for the untamed palate it can be heavy and greasy - Adobo, pancit, sisig. If you're very brave, you can try the local delicacy of  balut.

Manila is as western as it comes and, as much as I like to eat (at least try) local, there are so many incredibly good global-gastro restaurants and eateries not to try. Variety is the spice of life, after all?

So, if  unhatched duck embryo is not your canapé du jour, Manila is one of the most cosmopolitan cities you will visit, so don't think you will be limited in your choice.

The heart of lifestyle dining starts in glitzy Makati. Some of my favourites include Sala, which is owned unexpectedly by a Scottish chef and offers amazing Eurasian fusion, not east with incredibly good pineapple mojitos. Same owner, a floor above is People's Palace, renown by the expat community as the best Thai restaurant in the city, once more followed with a deluge of dessert prowess. Mesa, is modern Filipino and has a great menu of fish and seafood. No visit to Manila is complete without one meal of Lapu-Lapu.

Steak, another surprise hit, is a Kobe guarantee. Wagu, for hot perfection to order, only you can ruin this meal or, in Rockwell a fabulous and less busy alternative is Bistecca - every cut of beef, cooked to perfection and the best truffle fries in APAC.

A Spanish heritage gives way to a good effort at tapas and paella. Barcino might push it too far with local flamenco, but the food is good.

If there is one thing the Filipino people do best, is sweet. Low key patisserie and brunch pitstops are plentiful, but I have my personal favourite in the candy coloured Cafe 1771 in Ortigas, or Soho-esque Chelsea  Market, in Serendra.

The crème de la crème for me is the fantastic foodie fix in Aubergine. With a kitchen of the next international protégées of cuisine, the result is something else. Degustation menus at a pat with big ticket restaurants in London, New York and beyond, this s a real special occasion visit in the city.

Every chain and franchise form US east to west coast is in Manila. If you feel the need to be lovin' it, go right ahead but you are missing out. What is nice, and needy, in a city that never stops is the 24 hour Starbucks.

So, in brief, you are what you eat. The choice is yours. Bon apetit. 

'Til next time, Pandora

Dublin - A City of Two Tales

Sometimes you can travel so much, you miss what is under your nose, on your own doorstep. June saw me traversing between the north and south of Ireland, a mix of timeout from a busy work schedule and true downtime with visiting friends, both giving me a double sided view of what's to be found in Dublin.

Dublin is as stereotypical as it gets. March 17th sees the largest in take of tourism of the full year, 2013 boasting almost 250,000 global visitors to the Fair City. Everyone is a little Irish on St Patricks Day. Many are a lot. 

But there are 364 other days of the year where the Irish Craic keeps rolling in Dublin. A student hub with the prestigious Trinity College, a weekend Mecca for hen and stag parties and any other excuse to celebrate rugby, see a gig or just hang out. Just follow the signs to Temple Bar. Doorway upon doorway of traditional Irish song, great seafood and the mandatory flow of the Black Stuff, Guinness. Morning to evening, there is always Craic.

But there is more to Dublin than just the melody of Van Morrisson and the tapping of Riverdance. Above the cobbled streets of sneaker wearing tourists there is a peppering of rooftop bars and eateries, draped in designer dress and high heels. More Jo Malone than Molly Malone. 

Dublin has a chic side. Start your day at the top of Grafton Street and meander through boutiques and trendy coffee shops. Get lost in labels as luxurious as London's big 3, in Brown Thomas, before a break for brunch in Powers Court or decadent drinks at the Vintage Cocktail Club. 

As the evening calls, there is a wealth of opulent sleeperies, if you know where to go. My favourites are the Dylan, the John Rocha palette of the Morrisson has just had a makeover, and my recent retreat in the velveteen luxe of the Fitzwilliam. Relax, unwind, party....or all 3.

But don't be afraid to blend the traditional with the modern. My first trip to the Guinness Storehouse has certified me in the secret pouring of the perfect pint of Guinness, a visit well worth making. A walk over halfpenny bridge will add the needed tourist snaps to your photo book. There is no shortage of all round authentic Irish hospitality to make you feel at home, whichever of the two tales you choose of the city so, explore it wisely.

'Til next time, Pandora.

Who Kildares, Wins

I'm not a lover of outlet stores. I mean, everyone loves a bargain, but there is just too must mayhem and disorder during sale time for me to enjoy it. Anyway, if something hasn't given me the calling at the start of the season, the chances that I really need or want it are probably slim.

So, I have avoided the call of the outlet village. Despite my draw to designer, I have preconceived images of out of date factory shops, glorified jumble sales. Not for me. 

Well, not until these recent weeks. My begrudging scepticism headed south of Ireland, to Kildare. A family break, that just so happened to have little nearby except Kildare Village, the irish contingent to the Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages by Value Retail, peppered across Europe's chicest cities. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, and all that...

I was surprised. Pleasantly so. I hadn't imagined New England-esque shop fronts, with floral displays and roomy sidewalks lined with luxury brands.

Last season, yes, but perfectly merchandised in size order, colour coded accessories and proper changing rooms. This was shopping with style. A step up from the average High Street, just marked down. 

Even dining was upmarket - forget the high street burger bar, Kildare Starbucks your coffee stop and wines and dines you, Italian-style, in the very cool L'Offcina.

Kildare had real potential, the proof would be in the purchasing, rather than the pudding. Let the shopping begin....

Nicole Fahri tailoring, shirts by Pink, summer dressing by French Connection. and perfect accessories by Anya Hindmarch. Even home got a makeover with new Nespresso and Le Creuset, and threadcount refresh from Sanderson.

I think the technical term is reformed retail character. I take back my outlet snobbery - Who Kildares, definitely wins. Big sister, Bicester, might be next. With the amount I saved on my designer decadence, I can indulge some more!

'Til next time, Pandora

Seduced in Seville

It's ironic that it has taken until now for me to explore Seville. I mean, I studied and lived in Málaga for a few years, blessed with the good fortune of the sun and sand of the Andalusian Costas as my back-yard. Yet never had i reached Seville. This trip was a long time coming.

Oddly, however, despite my proximity I didn't expect to find and feel what I did.
A city hopper, practically by trade, there are a number of iconic must-see cities that make up the magnets of every refrigerator door - Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona. Seville, possibly not. But it should be. This is a city you need on this list.

Seville totally seduced me like a secret love affair. A brief rendez-vous, in my already smitten Andalucía, every twist and turn of the city captured my heart and wooed me.

It's a city to get lost in - metaphorically it is mesmerisingly beautiful but, geographically, it is complex and vast. This is a trip to plan in advance, otherwise you risk missing some if the incredible sites to be discovered. With leisure, a minimum of five days and prepare to walk. Travel light, walking shoes, a sun hat and spf.

The architecture, whilst totally different, is as impressive as the Gaudí of Barcelona. 

Institutional landmarks, churches, cathedrals and simple streets span from Christian to Arabic to Gothic and the Jewish quarter, la Judaria, is a labyrinth of flamenco, crafts and the most amazing tapas hideaways. In fact, el tapeo is a cultural heritage that explores the best of Spanish and Andalusian cuisine, remarkably light on the wallet. You need 2-3 hours daily to interweave this into any one day's plans.

Lodgings are vast, from pensiones to paradores and designer hotels, there is something for everyone, and a few still house the original Arabic and Turkish baths and spas. I sought out el Gran Meliá Colón, recently refurbed and now a famous retreat for football teams and bull fighting legends. It didn't disappoint. Located in the heart of the city centre, equipped with the obligatory city view roof terrace and decadently appointed with layers of designer icons for Phillipe Starck.

Modern is at home in Seville. It reaches its extreme in the Setas, the controversial architecture that resides footsteps from the casa de la Duquesa de Alba. But bars, restaurants, hotels alternate between traditional rusticity to modern minimalism and the blend is stylish and chic - terracotta floors and hanging jamones on the ground, through to the sun strewn roof terrace of Eme, in touching distance of la Giralda.

For me, the creme de la creme of the sevillian sights, La Plaza de España - another unexpected mastery that carved a place in my heart, alongside la Sagrada Familia or Le palais de Versailles.

Tourism is booming, but without the tackiness of the Costas. Even the former Expo village has been developed to a new local living quarter that is an expression of modern Seville, just outside the city itself.

Seville is alive, vibrant, friendly, exciting. It was worth the wait, but it will definitely need a return.

'Til next time, Pandora