IN SEARCH OF NIRVANA

Posted on 2011-10-17

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Nirvana’s trailblazing Nevermind album. And with it comes a tangible nostalgia, not just for the album itself, but for the unquestionable grunge-soaked havoc it cast over the music industry and popular 90’s culture. Holey jeans and flannel shirts were the uniform of the era and Kurt Cobain was worshiped God-like effigy. The Seattle-based band’s influence will never be forgotten. Their revolutionary sound set the rock ‘n’ roll industry on its ear and changed the music industry forever.

So be inspired to follow the music over to the Emerald City itself, where the rock and grunge scene of North America was born. Seattle is rich with cosmopolitan culture, its skyline pin pricked by the Space Needle synonymous with the city. It is also home to a buzzing live music scene having not only spawned Nirvana but the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Pearl Jam. Walk through the downtown streets and feel the palpable air of what once was, breathe it in, it smells like teen spirit.

For more information about Seattle and to book, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.

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LUNAR LANDINGS

Posted on 2011-08-22

NASA released staggering new images this week of our familiar Moon but in a crisper guise never before seen, old human footprints still imprinted on its alien-like surface in startling clarity. The images come just before the space agency launches another mission to the Moon, but whilst space exploration is to be saluted for all its great strides for mankind – let’s not forget those truly ethereal sights a little closer to home.

Meet La Luna Valley, Chile. The clue is in the name with this one. Carved out by wind and rain erosion, this strange lunar landscape is one of the driest places on Earth. Great arid lakes are sprinkled with salt creating a grey-white otherworldly surface. Like battle scars; pot holes pepper the land telling tales of meteoric collisions. Prepare for dreamlike desert days giving way to ‘out of this world’ nights as the land is bathed in subtle moon-glow. No need for a lunar capsule here, just a healthy dose of curiosity and a pair of fidgety feet.

For more information about Chile and to book, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.

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CHASE THE SUN TO SANTORINI

Posted on 2011-08-15

With the muggy mercury rising in the Big Smoke this week causing downpours en mass and the public mood being one of disbelief that this may signal the very end of Great British Summertime once more, it can only mean one thing – time to chip off for a long weekend to sultry Santorini.
Put quite simply, Santorini is the chicest island in the Mediterranean – an old charmer it may be it should be experienced with a hip twist. September is the best time to catch the last ebbs of summer sun, smoking hot nightlife and achingly hip restaurants on this volcanic island strung out in the middle of the cobalt blue Aegean Sea.

In a league of its own for old school charm, watch the evening sun melt over the charred black cliffs casting soft pink light on the bleached-out villas that cling to the edge. And don’t forget to taste the incredible local Assyrtiko wine; Santorini has the oldest vines in Greece and a unique way of growing them – experienced best with a local master of wine.

For more information and to book, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.

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MUSA – MEXICO ART WITH A TWIST

Posted on 2011-08-08

Thoughts of Mexico’s Cancun may make the mind wander to views of skyscraper-style resorts and hoards of spring breakers but lurking under the sea is something that could raise the eyebrow of even the most ardent cultural devotee.

Lying just off Mexico’s beautiful Caribbean coast, the ‘Museo Subacuaático de Arte’ is an underwater art space with a few twists. Aside from being under the sea which is obviously twist number one, the art on display is a collection of 400 permanent, life-size sculptures on the ocean floor created by a British artist, Jason de Caires Taylor. Each of the sculptures in ‘The Silent Evolution’ is specially designed to promote coral life meaning that not only do they attract colourful troupes of fish, but are also ever-changing as the fish and marine ecology change and alter the statues. An underwater eco-friendly art museum….must be Mexico. Dive in.

For more information about Mexico and to book, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.

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REYKJAVIK – MUSIC TO THE EARS

Posted on 2011-08-01

Excitement is reaching fever pitch for the upcoming release of Bjork’s eighth album Biophilia, out in September. Ever the progressive, Bjork has spent the last two years crafting her interactive multi-media work; best described as a ‘constellation’ of apps encompassing music, internet, installations and live shows. As the Icelandic songstress kicks off a string of U.K. performances culminating in the headline spot at Bestival 2011, we take a creative pilgrimage across the waters to Reykjavik, the artistic hotbed that spawned the unconventional singer.

A pulsating music scene doesn’t come better than in Reykjavik. This is also the city where Sigur Ros’ ethereal electronica was born and of late, where frontman Jónsi has carved out his solo career – pushing the boundaries of electronic performance art. Jet in for a long August weekend when the sun regularly bathes the city in up to twenty hours of sunshine. Make like the nocturnal locals heading out late to sample the live music scene at Damon Alban’s bohemian bar, Kaffibarinn before moving onto the city’s biggest nightspot – NASA. Finish up watching the sun loop the earth before rising into the sky again for another massive twenty hour session.

For more information about Reykjavik and to book, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.

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OWLING AROUND CATHEDRAL COVE

Posted on 2011-07-25

A new-fangled internet phenomenon was born this week and with it, a new phrase coined. The practice of ‘owling’ – a sequel to the ‘planking’ craze of 2010 – involves crouching like an owl in strange places and sharing a picture of your roost with friends. Notable spots for ‘owlers’ appear to be staircases, fridges, office tables and kitchen work surfaces but there is a whole world out there crying out to be perched upon. So step out of those four walls and settle a-top this beautiful jagged shard of rock jutting out of Cathedral Cove, New Zealand.

Cathedral Cove in New Zealand’s North Island is an area of dramatic cliff tops, sharp rock formations and outcrops carved by the crashing waves. Any serious ‘owler’ would be proud to call this home. The famous marine reserve, donated to the country by a rather generous Vaughan Harsant in 1971, has some spectacular scenery including a sea cave and the honeycomb cliff face of the bay.

Off-shore islands such as this provide protection for the beautiful bleached out beaches of Stingray Bay and Hot Water Beach. That’s right –believe it or not – the aforementioned sea creature is regularly seen lurking in Stingray Bay and Hot Water Beach is infact wonderfully warm.
But, for the very best view of Cathedral Cove, perch at one of the look-out points dotted along the cliff tops and enjoy the sweeping views of this splintered coastline.

For more information about Cathedral Cove, New Zealand and to book, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.

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