Opening prices are absurd, and if you let your guard down for even a moment, you’ll be fleeced. The trick is never to show interest in any wares: even if you see something you know you can’t leave without, be indifferent and offer a fifth of the asking price. The next price the trader utters, whistle while raising your eyebrows and walk away. You can bet your bottom lira he’ll be right behind you, buckling.

And when you’re asked where you’re from and what you do – which you will be – opt for something like a teacher from Japan (ie underpaid and speaks one of the few languages they don’t) to minimise the cheat and the chat.

The ultimate wind-down from an afternoon’s heavy-duty haggling is a hookah or ‘hubbly-bubbly’. Turks have been smoking what they call ‘narghile’ since the 17^th century, and if you want an authentic rather than touristy experience, the place to go is Erenler Çay Bahçesi* just a few blocks from the Grand Bazaar. Set in a leafy courtyard, it’s packed with students from Istanbul University smoking their pipes and talking politics. Even for non-smokers, inhaling the apple-cured tobacco is a pleasurable thing to try once. And if you’re feeling fearless in general that day, go the distance and have a traditional Turkish coffee – about the equivalent of a quadruple espresso, you may be sleepless in Istanbul for some time.

* Address: Yeniçeriler Caddesi 36/28, Çemberlita?

Just back from the mile-long crescent of golden sand, Le Chariot dominates the
village’s tiny central square with its parasols shading drinkers and diners
(mostly locals) as the day’s scorch sinks and softens into sunset. My husband
orders his pint of Pietra, a Corsican amber beer made from malts, hops and
chestnuts; mine is the simple but sublime pleasure of rosé. We have sand under
our feet, local musicians playing, children dancing between tables, our day’s
discoveries to discuss, and the anticipation of our pizzas arriving.

Corsican pizza is distinctly different. The crust is thin but soft, thanks to
the addition of olive oil, and gruyere is often used as an alternative to
mozzarella. Charcuterie is piled on with abandon: chorizo, “habibi” (lamb &
beef sausage), figatellu (pork liver sausage), coppa (pig’s head sausage), all
spiced with green chilli & red pepper piccante – makes an “American Hot” bland
by comparison. If you?re not a meat-eater, the three-cheese option doesn’t
disappoint, and seasonal choices, such as artichoke, will always keep us coming
back.

*Sandy’s – 14 Seymour Place, London W1H 7NF. Tel: 0207 723 8833

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Morocco, like many parts of the world, has a cuisine that is unique to the region. Their food is highly colourful, tasty and not too spicy. Due to their unique cuisine, this makes travel to Morocco for food lovers incredibly popular.

One of the most popular regions of Morocco is Marrakech, famous for its marketplace where almost anything you could possibly desire can be found, and then bartered for in traditional Moroccan style. The famous markets of Morocco are also where you can buy your ingredients and spices to make Moroccan dishes.

A culinary tour of Morocco allows you to spend a great holiday in Morocco sampling food from each and every region, and each region has its own specialities. A culinary tour also allows you the unique opportunity to cook Moroccan food yourself, under the tutorship of the chef, and then to put your skills into practice when you get back home for that taste of Morocco at home.

When you travel to Morocco you’ll be able to spend your time staying on one of the authentic riads. Riads are traditional houses in Morocco, and have the unique feature of an interior garden. The most traditional riads also feature a fountain in the interior garden. Travel to Morocco for an experience and memories you will treasure forever.

If you’re craving for some Moroccan cuisines before your dream holiday to Morocco, why not try making some yourself at home?! Following are some great Moroccan recipes we have found for you, enjoy!

Soup & Entrée

1. Harira – Lamb and Lentil soup, AKA. the national soup of Morocco
2. Ksra – Moroccan flat bread
3. Moroccan-Style Stuffed Acorn Squash
4. Moroccan Zaalouk Recipe – Eggplant and Tomato Cooked Salad
5. Taktouka – Moroccan Cooked Tomato and Green Pepper Salad
6. Chakchuka – Grilled Pepper & Tomato Salad
7. Moroccan Fish Bastila
8. Maakouda Batata – Moroccan Potato Cakes Recipe
9. Tabbouleh traditional Moroccan salad
10. Briouat el – Moroccan Savoury Pastries

Main

1. Tagines – Moroccan stew featuring meat simmered with vegetables
2. Aubergine, chick pea and potato balti
3. Kefta – Moroccan Meatballs
4. Kseksu Bidawi – Couscous with seven vegetables
5. Chicken stew
6. Mrouzia – A sweet dish of lamb with raisins, almonds and honey
7. Mezgaldi of Onions – Caramelized Onions
8. Makfoul – Lamb Tagine
9. Briwates dial djaj – Pastry stuffed with spicy chicken
10. Mechoui – Spiced Roast Lamb
11. Moroccan Spiced Sea Bass Ceviche
12. Marrakesh Vegetable Curry
13. B’stilla – Chicken Pie
14. Moroccan Shephard’s Pie
15. Kefta magawara – meatball tagine
16. Boulfaf – Liver kebab
17. Merguez – spicy lamb sausage
18. Hut B’noua – Red Snapper With Almond Paste
19. Djej bil Einab – Chicken with grapes
20. Mezze – Moroccan Tapas

Desserts

1. Ghribas – Peanut Cookies
2. Apricot Couscous
3. Sfenj Beignets – Sweet Moroccan Doughnut Recipe
4. Bechkito – Moroccan Butter Cookies
5. Fekkas – Spice Cookies
6. Moroccan Sellou Recipe – Sweet Made from Ground Almonds, Sesame and Flour
7. Harost Balls – Dessert sweets made of dates, raisins and nuts; traditionally a part of the passover feast in Morocco
8. Halwa Shebakia – Moroccan Sesame Cookies
9. Amlou – Almond Spread
10. M’hanncha or The Snake – Moroccan Almond Pastries

Drinks:

1. Mint Tea
2. Qahwah – Coffee with spices
3. Asseer Rumman – Pomegranate Juice
4. Almond Milk
5. Sharbat – Apple Milk Drink

Talking of exciting itineraries, we don’t think there’s a better place to cruise than Southeast Asia. In the Far East you’ll experience an unbeatable mix of culture, stunning scenery and some of the friendliest people in the World.

Here are our top 10 reasons to take a cruise in Southeast Asia:

1. See more of Southeast Asia

With so much to see in the Far East, it’s difficult to decide on which country to choose – by taking a cruise you can see a number of countries in one holiday.

2. Make new friends

Whether it’s in the gym, the casino, a restaurant, or anywhere onboard, if you want to meet new people – you will! You’re all sharing in great experience and people invariably leave with new friends for life.

3. Take the family

Cruise ships, such as the Costa Allegra in Southeast Asia, offer a host of activities and a variety of entertainment for the whole family. Kids can enjoy themselves while parents relax by the pool.

4. Be pampered

Join a Costa Cruise for an oasis of comfort. Enjoy the services of a cabin steward who’s always at your service, an incredible Spa and breakfast (or indeed any meal) served in your luxury cabin. Relax, be pampered and unwind.

5. Fantastic food

Gone are the days when the only dining option on board a cruise was very formal. Cruises now offer a variety of options so you can eat formally or casually, in the open air, in a restaurant or in your cabin – any time of day or night.

6. Only pack once

Cruising is a hassle free way of seeing many places on one holiday and instead of the stress of travelling you can sit back and relax in the spa, enjoy some entertainment, get active with the ship’s sports facilities or simply sit back with a cool cocktail. No contest.

7. Port Excursions

Many believe that taking a cruise means you can’t explore the countries you visit – not true! A host of port excursions are available to ensure that you can really explore the countries you visit.

8. Keeping control of the budget

Most cruises operate on full board basis, meaning that all your meals are included in the price of your cruise. That means you won’t need much spending money when you’re away.

9. Stay in Shape

You can walk around the Promenade, hit the gym, do laps in the pool, play tennis, take a golf lesson plus many other options besides. If you want to stay in shape on holiday, you will! In fact, with so much to do, you’ll probably find you’re in far better shape on return than when you left home!

10. Enjoy the party

From the lively Piano Bar to the exuberant casino, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the evening’s entertainment. And no worrying about getting a taxi home – simply walk back to your cabin at the end of night.