SHANNON QUEEN BOAT HOTEL MYSTERY

One of a pair

The Shannon Queen from Athlone in Ireland are a pair of boats that once thrived on hotel guests, diners and pub goers, only for it now to be a rusted tourist attraction.

Even so, you can still see the beauty of what was and imagine what they were like in their day.

Originally opened in 1968 the Shannon Queen had 22 bedrooms, a bar, kitchen and a function room that could hold up to 150 people.

The second boat

It was actually a hotel for 3 years from 1968 to 1971 then was transformed into a floating pub and restaurant. I bet that was interesting with people stumbling near the water and all that!

The original purpose was for the floating boats to become a good travel package idea for people interested in all-inclusive holidays that offered many activities and excursions like horse riding and fishing.

One of the boats back in it's day

Then in 1971 it was officially announced that Shannon Queen Holiday's LTD business had gone into voluntary liquidation.

This hotel boat was auctioned for sale in 1976, and i'm not sure what happened after then for the next 34 years for the boats to get in such a deteriorating state. I guess the big cruise ships as we have today must have took over in the end.

If anyone has any more information to share on this i will happily add it here. There seems to be very limited resources and information for the hotel for some reason.

GREAT FAMILY VACATION: Disney World, Orlando

One of the places you can never go wrong for a family vacation is Disney World in Orlando.

There is so much to see and do there you would probably need more than a 1 weeks stay to see it all.

That is no exaggeration as Disney World is nearly twice the size of Manhattan Island.

We stayed for 10 days, but i had a feeling we would have benefited from staying there for 14 days as we never got to do every single thing. But i guess there is always next time.

If you have never been before you can get a vacation package to Disney World to suit your needs depending on what you like to do.

We went for a total package that included everything, but if you know you are only going to be interested in one of two places they can usually be tailor made to suit you.

I think it's really exciting. I was like a big kid seeing all the attractions and queuing for the rides. There are four theme parks. Our favourite was the Magic Kingdom, which is full of fairytale classic characters, themes and home to Cinderellas castle.

It really takes you back to your childhood days when your parents used to read you the story books, watching the Disney films and dreaming of what every little girl dreams of - being a Princess of course.

My husband being a typical man took a liking to the golf courses. They are much talked about over there for that particular complex so he had to see it for himself.

We brought back some lovely memories with us and some great pictures too. I would definitely recommended it for a vacation that the whole family will enjoy and not just the kids.

Have you ever been to Disney World? What was your favourite part?

GIBRALTAR AIRPORT WHERE TRAFFIC CROSSES RUNWAY

There wasn't enough land to build a proper airport in Gibraltar from La Linea in Spain, so this one was built with the runways going across main traffic roads.

Cars have to actually drive across the runway, and sometimes when the planes are setting off it seems like a very close encounter indeed (see picture at the bottom)

How scary is that? And i wonder how long the traffic has to wait at the red lights for before it's so to go? I'm not sure i would like to be crossing a runway - would you?

A Special thanks to my friend Tammy who told me about this.

IMPROVE CAR PERFORMANCE & FUEL EFFICIENCY: Car ID Exhausts

The exhaust on your car is one of the most important features - and one that can also save you money along the way too, as well as increase your cars overall performance if the right one is bought.

It is essential to know you have the correct one installed and one that is going to last you a few years and not just a few months through wear and tear.

There are different types of car and truck exhausts you can get. Alot of people like the racing mufflers that gives off that loud engine sound like a motorbike would. Then there are the people who simply want to improve the fuel efficiency for their car.

You can get different types of direct-fit catalytic converters, polished tips, cat-back systems and racing mufflers from the CarID website.

Well known brand names feature such as Borla, Magnaflow, Flowmaster, Gibson amongst others.

As well as the exhausts systems you can browse through other car accessories like dash kits, custom grills, custom wheels and body kits.

It's a one stop shop for everything you need to make your car look and work better, that even a person that doesn't know that much about cars and trucks will enjoy.

WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE BICYCLE

After coming across the world's most expensive RV, i had a feeling there would be alot more vehicles kitted out to the extreme, and this bike is one of them.

It's made from 24 carat gold, 600 Swarovski crystals and the handlebar grips and saddle are made from fine leather. It is one of 10 limited editions from Aurumania.

If you fancy riding around on a gold bike with the confidence you wont get it stolen off you it comes in at $102, 417.60 !

I know i wouldn't wont to travel around on a gold bike - would you?

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE CAMPING EXPERIENCE?

Camping has always been good quality family time for us. Sometimes i prefer it to a holiday abroad.

I am a bit of a traditionalist, so typically we roast the marshmallows around the fire, collect twigs, go fishing, hiking etc.

Preferably we like to go somewhere secluded where we are the only ones around. I know you can go on actual campsites, but sometimes i feel they are a little over commercialized with the public toilets and convenience stores on site.

Isn't that part of the fun of camping, to find a spot to do your business you might say, and use the food you have got to cook something on the fire?

Sometimes you are mixed with people with caravans too, but i prefer camping tents.

We have got one of those big family tents. It's funny because we are practically sleeping in one room really, apart from the mesh screens that separate you.

One thing we have never encountered on our camping trips are any wild animals like bears, and i hope we never do.

I have heard from friends and family of their stories what happened to them. Luckily one of the bears they come across was just scavenging for food and left them unharmed.

But i guess that's what could happen when you want to do some traditional camping out in the woods.

I have always wanted to camp out on the beech too. I'm sure there are places around that do that, or maybe i have just been watching too many films!

As long as i could secure my tent into the sand that is!

What sort of camping experience do you prefer - Traditional, camping sites or both?

And is there a special place you like you go with your family? I would love to hear about it.

VOLCANO DISASTERS STILL TO COME

Beautiful yet dangerous ash clouds that continue to devastate the skies

It seems that the Iceland volcano disaster will continue to cause problems in years to come.

Scientists have concluded that there have been 205 eruptions in the last 1,100 years and they tend to occur in regular cycles.

According to experts we have come to the end of a quiet phase of the past 50 years, which will be ending soon. But there are several other Iceland volcanoes that are nearing towards eruption, that could be coming up to their peak points in the near future.

The ash clouds have already been causing delays across many airports across the world. Some airports are still suffering from this problem.

I wonder if flights will ever properly get back on track?

SECRET TRAVEL SPOTS MEMBERS SITE

There is a travel website called Conway Confidential Travel where you can sign up for perks and presents exclusive news.

Members can find out about secret spots and gems worldwide, and see what the celebrities recommend in the Celebrity Confidential section.

VILLAGE WITH NO ROADS: Giethoorn, Holland

Imagine if we didn't have any busy roads in our area, and we had to get to places by boat instead.

This beautiful village dubbed 'The Venice of Holland' is called Giethoorn and has no roads at all. All 2,200 villagers get to where they want to be on 7.5km canal routes instead.

The water surrounds came from the big flood of St Elizabeth in 1170, and the village itself was founded and developed back in 1230 when Mediterranean fugitives came to make their home here.

They discovered many horns of wild goats that no doubt died in the flood, and that is where the name comes from. Originally given the name Geytenhorn meaning horn of goats, it then got changed to Giethoorn over the years.

A canal was formed and dug out at one meter deep to transport the peat. This created alot of undeep lakes and ponts called Wieden.

The villagers use small boats with a quiet electric motors known as whisper boats, and there are alot of wooden bridges so people can cross over the area on the other side.

Even the cows are brought in by boat to the dairy farms, where fresh milk is delivered to the residents (by boat of course) in old style milk cans.

Most of the gorgeous houses have thatched roofs. I can see that it would be really peaceful and relaxing to live here.
I would to stay there as a weekend retreat perhaps, but not permanently. I think i would miss my fast travelling car option and bustling atmosphere too much. How about you?

A Special thanks to my friend Tammy who told me about this.

G.S.A TOURISM ASSISTANCE : For Hospitality, Tourist & Airport Companies

When your travelling to your holiday destination you expect to fly with decent airlines and stay in a good hotel.

You might be the owner of a nice hotel yourself or holiday provider site, but do people really know how to find you and know what your about?

That is one of the purposes of a G.S.A. tourism (General Sales Agent) like H.T.M.S International.

They help companies in the travel industry that represent tourism, hospitality, airports etc.

Their job is to help expose your company and assist you in making the most out of your profits. As well as as to guide you on the best database management, marketing strategies, trade events and more.

REMEMBERING LONDON'S CANE HILL ASYLUM

There always seem to something very eerie and spooky about abandoned metal asylums, and Cane Hill Asylum in London, United Kingdom is no different.

It was originally opened in 1882 as a third asylum in the area to Brookwood and Springfield Asylums that will full. Cane Hill could hold up to 2,000 patients. In 1953 it was reported to have had 2400 people in there.

Wards

The hospital closed in 1991 except for the secure unit, as there was less need for the facility and it became underused. Community care and modern medicare laws had been introduced leaving not much call for the premises anymore.

Bathrooms

The secure unit continued to run with about 23 patients in 2006, until it was finally closed down in 2008, where the staff and patients were transferred over to other hospitals.

During this time there were some more memorable faces that stayed there, such as David Bowie and Michael Caine's half brothers and Charlie Chaplin's mom.

Corridors

The main attraction with probably all asylums is the fact it might be haunted. There have been several stories of security men patrolling the area with the dogs, only for them to run away scared all of a sudden, figures wandering in the trees and a creepy find was Cane Hills very first superintendent's body within the undergrowth.

one of the recreation rooms

Since then over the years the building has deteriorated dramatically. It has been vandalized, had arson attacks, been robbed by slate and lead thieves, water damaged and suffered excessive wear and tear through non maintenance.

Because of the continuing deterioration and it becoming unsafe for tourists it was agreed that demolition can take place in March 2008. It is said to be completed sometime in 2010, with a purpose of re-developing the area into a housing estate or business park instead.

Chapel

The only buildings that will remain are the listed chapel and administration building, along with the water tower after locals demanded that it should be kept as a landmark.

Dentists room

With the rest of the building it was hoped to have gotten those listed too, but sadly the English Heritage didn't grant permission as they felt there were better examples of early asylums that already existed.

An asylum wouldn't be right without an empty chair in the middle of a room

An original 1882 photograph of the building

I think it's a shame to see such an old outstanding building by knocked down, but i suppose with the safety aspects in mind it was the right thing to do in the end.

Demolition site in progress

CRUISE HOLIDAY BENEFITS

Going on Cruises have always been one of my preferred holiday preferences.

It's the fact i can just relax on the ship and take in the atmosphere and entertainment, without having to worry about where i need to get to when i arrive.

Plus i like how you can use your private cabin to chill out in and grab a nap when you want to, unlike trying to sleep in an uncomfortable aeroplane seat.

My favourite trips are the Carnival Cruises that are seen as the fun ships, that guarantee you plenty of action and things to do.

If you have never been on a cruise before, as you travel to each one of your destinations you can enjoy plenty of activities on the ship to pass the time away such as the shows, music, dancing, movies, games, fine dining, swimming in the ship's pool and more.

Cruises usually average around anything from 3 to 14 days - sometimes longer depending on what of of Cruise Deals you can get.

As well as the on board entertainment, i love to explore the destinations that we arrive at and knowing that i will still have lots of things to do when i return too.

UNIQUE TOWN HOUSE FILLS 50 YEAR OLD LOT GAP: Landskrona, Sweeden

This beautiful picturesque street in Landskrona Sweeden looks so lovely and quaint. Then you see the modern house that looks like it's been photo shopped into the scene. But it is in fact real.

As you can see the 3 storey townhouse has been built in between 2 other homes, and looks nothing like the other houses in the street making it stand out so much.

The inside has been designed really well and with the floors divided by 3 steel floor plates includes an open plan lounge, dining room and kitchen, office, library, bedroom, bathroom and a small garden.
The home was built by Elding Oscarson to fill the lot that remained empty for 50 years.
With a lot area space of just 75 square meters i can see why it was left vacant for all this time.

I love unique houses, but don't you think this one kind of spoils the surrounding setting for looking so modern next to the traditional houses?