Author: Ray Si

GAY TRAVEL | Malta: Gay Pride in Europe’s most LGBT-friendly country

Gay pride gatherings, festivals, and parades are a fantastic opportunity for the LGBT+ community to come together and fly the flag with pride, hence the name.

Still, they are also a chance to highlight issues affecting the community in particular and the world as a whole. S

uch celebrations are slowly, and sometimes with difficulty, spreading across the globe, but there is one place that always feels like the heart of Gay Pride, and that is Malta. For Malta to be honored with the title European Capital of Culture in 2018 says a lot about its open-mindedness when it comes to arts and culture. Still, it may surprise some people to find that the island has some of the best rights and attitudes towards the LGBT+ community, anywhere! Add to this the fact that the island is a beautiful blend of Mediterranean landscapes, gorgeous beaches, picturesque towns, and historic architecture, and you have to ask the question, why would you celebrate it anywhere else?

And so it was inevitable that I was going to find myself in Valletta in early September for the Allied Rainbow Communities’ Malta Pride Parade and Celebration Week. Following a record number of participants and visitors last year and ARC’s vow to push the numbers even higher this year, I had to join the celebrations again.

It is safe to say that the event takes over Valletta. Still, as invasions go it has to be one of the most colorful, fun and friendly in history and thousands of revelers, bystanders, onlookers and allies of the LBGT+ community squeezed into those sun-kissed and historic streets to both celebrate their lives and make a stand in solidarity of each other; the frivolous and the fantastic, the poignant and the political (with a small p,) side by side, hand in hand.

And while the parades with all their glitz and glamour are what make the headlines, the week offered all manner of related events and attractions too, from pool parties to films, from talks and discussions to bars, beaches, and nightclubs. From the social to the serious, there was something for everyone. And all this comes together under a neat umbrella, undoubtedly a multi-colored one with some added glitter, to celebrate the right to be different. And whereas some such events are being side-tracked by consumerism and marketing opportunities, Malta’s heart is very much in the right place. To this end, it was great to see an increased number of youths accompanied by their LGBT+ guardians experiencing the celebrating this great event, many getting right into the spirit of the occasion, and sporting the unwritten uniform of bright colors and fun accessories.

Malta in early September is a sun-worshippers paradise and the week sees the whole island on heat…take that whichever way you wish…and with this in mind the parade was pushed back to 5 pm to allow for the slight cooling of temperature, but a Pride Parade always manages to turn up the heat both physically and metaphorically! Flights with Air Malta are direct from London.

This year’s event even coincided with the grand opening of Valletta’s elegant Rosselli Hotel, which threw wide its doors and welcomed esteemed guests such as Malta’s Prime Minister, and of course yours truly. The hotel made for the perfect base of operations, easy walking distance to all the main activities, and a luxurious 5-star stay.

The hotel offers a touch of sophistication with high-vaulted ceilings and spacious rooms which mix old-school class with modern comfort. And with an outdoor pool, roof garden, and relaxed lounges, it made for the perfect retreat to balance the energetic fun of the day.Pride gatherings are becoming part and parcel of many significant cities calendars across the globe, but nowhere does it quite like Malta.

Not only does ARC throw a great party, they are reminding people precisely what Pride events are all about. Roll on 2020!

12th November 2019
Concert Review: Cheer up with Cher on her Here We Go Again Tour

With the ticket price of live music events becoming ever more expensive and the options of places to see the more prominent names performing, requiring more travel, you have to redefine your attitude when it comes to going to a gig. Rather than make it the sole purpose of your trip away, if you combine it with comfortable travel (Eurostar), and a convenient place to stay, the whole adventure feels much more like a short holiday rather than a quick dash to get a music fix.

And that’s how I found myself checking in to The Crowne Plaza in Antwerp, a plush four-star hotel only a direct and convenient 25

-minute tram ride away from my musical destination and an appointment to see none other than Cher! The Crowne Plaza hotel was modern and functional, perfect for my overnight stay and catering for short-haul travellers, such as myself, high-flying business executives, and everyone in between.

I was never a massive fan of Cher, but she has had such a long and varied, not to mention successful highly career, so much so that the word icon feels justified in her case, that I thought I should experience her show at least once. So I snapped up a 9th-row ticket, booked the hotel, hopped on a tram, and here I was.

Someone like Cher doesn’t just play a gig, she brings a show to town, and then some, and for someone coming to her show afresh and open-minded, as it were, she made a convert out of me with ease. Keeping an audience in the palm of your hand for two hours is not an easy thing to do but this is Cher’s world, she is the mistress of all that she surveys and the wonderful between-song anecdotes (old people love to talk,) the constant costume changes, her larger than life personality and a set of fantastic songs meant that the time flew by.

It was a very theatrical show, hints of Vegas abounded, and she still knows how to belt out a tune, no lip-synching or technological cheats here, but all the time I found myself thinking, “I wonder if I will still look this great in heels when I’m 73!” And if the songs took us back through her career, the nostalgic costume changes underlined just how long a career she has had. We travelled back to her formative years, the Sonny and Cher era, right through to the here and now, Cher displaying an incredible ability to turn back time, pun intended, whilst putting on a very contemporary show.

One surprise came with her rendition of ABBA hits challenging the already dancing queens of Antwerp to up their game. By this point, the show had gone beyond merely an average gig and had turned into the hottest gay party in Western Europe that night!

We partied, and then we parted, me back to the comfort of my hotel, her to set the next town alight with her show as her tour continued across Europe and on to the UK. You should try new things; it’s what living is all about. And although I may have wandered into the arena with an open mind about Cher, I certainly left as a bit of a fan.

Cher performs at the O2 in London and across the UK and Europe on several dates in October/November 2019.

Written By: Ray Si – Proud Member of IGLTA

14th October 2019
Here’s what you should do when you first arrive in Bangkok

Advice on arriving at Bangkok Airport

igorovsyannykov / Pixabay

Once you have disembarked from the plane it is a good idea to speed walk to the immigration desk as so many international flights arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport all within seconds of each other.

Make sure you have a pen to fill out the landing card, you can also guarantee that there will probably not even be any landing cards at the stands either, however, just ask security before you enter the line and they will produce one from their back pocket. You can also ask the airline staff before you leave the plane if they have any.

If you opt to take a taxi from the airport, then there is an official taxi desk outside the arrivals terminal but always make sure that the fare includes the toll for a highway journey as the taxi will then take you into the city area via the fastest possible route.

The BTS (train) from the airport is an easy option, cost less than less than £1 to get into the city and is highly recommend as Bangkok traffic is ridiculous!

Here’s where you should stay if you’re looking for a gay-friendly hotel in Bangkok

Here’s the top ten places to eat in Bangkok

25th January 2019
GAY TRAVEL | Amsterdam is more than damn thrilling
Paris may try to lure you in with its reputation for style and sophistication, Berlin with its unconventional ways and underground creativity and San Francisco with its liberal mindset. Amsterdam, however, has all of this but doesn’t feel the need to flaunt it. It is the coolest looking person in the club, and it knows just how cool it is. If Amsterdam didn’t exist, you would think it’s too unbelievable to be real, a fictional utopia, the product of an over-zealous mind.

Pexels / Pixabay

As always the Eurostar journey was effortless, the perfect combination of speed, practicality and comfort, which could almost be the motto on the coat of arms of the city I was heading for. You can travel directly from London to Amsterdam for as little as £35 per person, and Amsterdam to London (with a stop in Brussels) for £65.50 per person. Time your return to London smartly and spend the day in Brussels at no extra cost.

ernestovdp / Pixabay

My destination was The Toren hotel, only 15 minutes walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station, nestled seductively in the iconic canal belts of the city and the perfect location from which to explore the main attractions at the heart of Amsterdam. Chic, theatrical and more than a little bit mysterious, this old building blends warmth and comfort and is rich with vivid patterns and lush interiors.

Photo by: thetoren.nl

The Toren is almost too good to be a mere hotel as I couldn’t decide if I wanted to just stay there all day or explore the sights of Amsterdam, that’s how inviting the place is. It also was the perfect inspiration for how my own home could be. The bed was comfortable, the decor deep, dark and elegant, the curtains draped heavily as if they were hanging blankets, the bedding had the reassuring and luxurious weight and feel of curtains and the lighting was designed so that you could adjust to any mood desired; to rest or digest, for ambience or excitement…or even fight or flight!

Photo by: thetoren.nl

When I entered the bathroom, I realised that I had met my match! A Jacuzzi bathtub, which had industrial style settings… so don’t expect soft bubbles, this is bubble technology as a deep but sensual massage. It featured a dual shower block for 2 people which also doubles as a steam room, complete with comfortable seats, and an intelligent toilet with an activated sensor that raises and closes the seat.

Photo by: thetoren.nl

Typically for The Toren’s habit of never cutting corners when it can offer a bit more indulgence, the toilet seat even heats up. Breakfast felt as if you had been invited to your Auntie’s house for a buffet; charming, warm and wonderfully intimate. With an open fire, The Toren bar is strikingly inviting and almost like a secret hidden from the foot traffic of Amsterdam and the staff are more than just personnel, they are nothing short of point-blank comfort ambassadors.

Photo by: thetoren.nl

But if you can drag yourself away from this glorious and inviting place, then there is plenty to see and experience.

8 Things To Do While Staying At The Toren
1. Anne Frank’s House, a museum that has retained the required authenticity and subdued atmosphere to match its sombre but poignant back story.
2. Walk to the famous Heineken Brewery. A guided tour of their factory is undoubtedly worth checking out, and so is their non-alcoholic beer.
3. The Van Gogh Museum, a must-visit for art fans and culture vultures alike.
4. All roads lead to Dam Square, the real heart of Amsterdam, where you can casually check out The Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk and the War Memorial in a square that is the embodiment of the iconic look of Amsterdam.
5. Jordaan is a neighbourhood somewhat akin to London’s Cockney East End, a blend of the working class past and modern gentrification, the perfect collision of old and new, rich and poor.
6. Men seeking more hedonistic or at least social options should visit Nieuwezijds Gay Sauna which offers a fully licensed bar with lounge, whirlpool, Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, private cabins, light meals, masseurs, smoker’s lounge and ample relaxing and cruising space. Look out for No Towel Tuesday!
7. Prik, a wonderfully inviting LGBT cocktail bar hidden in the city’s heart and while compact and bijou, is intimate, warm and welcoming.
8. People watch in one of the ubiquitous cafes and coffee bars which you can’t avoid finding as you travel around the city.
In short, Amsterdam knows just how damn sexy it is, so much so that it doesn’t even have to try to make you fall in love with it, that just happens naturally.

Written By: Ray Si – Proud Member of IGLTA
22nd January 2019
THEATRE REVIEW | Nine Night, Trafalgar Studios

★★★★☆ | Nine Night

It may come as quite a surprise to learn that Nine Night is the first play from a Black, British female writer to make it to the West End. I’ll just let that sink in for a moment.

Nine Night is Natasha Gordon’s deft exploration of the traditions of a West Indian wake, referenced in the title, a time when the departed are honoured and remembered by living relatives over a celebration of nine nights, fuelled with upbeat music, home cooked food and the ever so important in most West Indians drink cabinet – rum! Against this, as the backdrop, the semi-estranged family gather to mourn and then slowly unlock a string of revelations, all in the kitchen.

It is certainly a play for everyone and anyone to enjoy but is most definitely a must-see for anyone of West Indian heritage, a rare chance to see some of the most intimate parts of their culture brought out into the wider public gaze. And while such kitchen-sink dramas have been a staple of British Theatre since the ’60s, few productions have featured so many characters drawn so exquisitely.

For me, the play came to life immediately through its authenticity particularly when the thick Jamaican accented Aunt Maggie and Trudy, cousin and daughter of Gloria respectively, began to speak. It is such a revelation to hear those gorgeous tones, sonic beacons of ethnic diversity uttered from a stage deep in the hallowed ground of the West End.

As I said, it is a play for all but as a West Indian spectator the whole resonated with my background and experiences, I bought into the scenes and scenarios displayed before me, one which tugged my heartstrings, jogged deep-rooted memories and spoke to my very being.

I felt Trudy’s emotion, angst and painful need to be wanted as soon as she appeared on stage but it was only towards the end of the play that I felt that writer’s character, Gloria’s daughter Lorraine, was given a chance to step out of an, up until then, mostly monotonous role and we began to see our writer and storyteller of Nine Night swell with emotion.

It is a testament to the writing and the characters that had been created for them that the rest of the cast each stand their ground memorably, especially in their approach to grieving their beloved matriarch. We witnessed some wilfully theatrical overacting from daughter-in-law Sophie, which wonderfully balanced her husband Robert’s convincingly ill at ease performance. Uncle Vince delivered a humble contrast to his cantankerous wife and introduced some clever and subtle sub-texts about his relationship with the late Gloria.

Even if the scenario is unfamiliar to many in the audience, Aunt Maggie acted as the perfect host, inviting us into the late Gloria’s house and breaking the inherent tensions with her hilarious one-liners; quips and asides that that could strip wallpaper without steam.

Natasha has done a masterful job with the writing and production of Nine Night. I thought it would be interesting to see her role developed more in perhaps an amended version of her character Lorraine. I would certainly watch it again and recommend it heartily to everyone, no matter what their cultural background, as what is at the heart of this smart play is something everyone can relate to.

It’s essential that both Natasha Gordon and Nine Night’s place in theatre history is appreciated: but it’s at least as necessary to remember that it’s a great play – I will certainly drink to that!

Nine Night runs until 23 Feb 2019 at the Trafalgar Studios, CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Running Time: Approx. 1 hour 45 mins no interval

By Ray Si – a member of IGLTA

4th January 2019
5 gay places you should definitely go if you’re in Brussels

Brussels is one of the most progressive and liberal cities in Europe, it is a leading gay city with a rich history, thriving nightlife, a French vibe and delicious cuisine.

dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay

It also has plenty to explore for the man looking for a men-only scene, a scene which you will find is discrete, varied and welcoming.

Macho Sauna: A very friendly and comfortable suite of rooms accommodating a sauna, a steam room, a gym and a hammam, a terrace, a lounge and a club zone. Choose the time to go carefully, mid-week is perfect if you want to concentrate on the facilities but the weekend is when it gets jam-packed and turns into a party zone.

Rue du Marche au Charbon 106, 1000 Brussels,
+32 2 513 56 67
Open 12:00 – 00:00

Oasis Sauna: Pretty much the opposite of the sleek modernity of Macho Sauna, instead it is housed in a rather grand building filled with chandeliers, fireplaces, portraits and comfortable armchairs. All the usual facilities are to be found but with more of the atmosphere of an old-time Gentlemen’s Club.

Rue Van Orley 10, 1000 Brussels
+32 2 218 08 00
Open 11:30 – 22:00

The Stammbar: Open about the fact that it is a “music cruise bar, “ it is fitted out in an industrial style, has cruising areas, a dark room and is open every night. While it plays to the more obvious end of the scene, it is friendly and attitude free, popular with locals and visitors alike and manages to stay on the right side of the divide that separates sleazy and sexy from sordid and grubby.

Rue du Marché au Charbon 114, 1000 Bruxelles
+32 2 502 58 00
Open 09:00 – 04:00

La Baroque: Best described as compact and bijou but proves that size isn’t everything by being one of the most popular bars on the city’s the gay scene. It is full of colour and atmosphere, but most visitors drink outside. On the weekend, there’s usually a DJ who plays a mixture of club classics and pop music. Give him a wink, and he’ll play your favourite tune.

Kolenmarktstraat 44, 1000 Brussels

+32 492 03 16 08

Station BXL: Midweek is very busy. It has a retro feel, plenty of room for dancing, some dark corners for more intimate encounters and although it might be at the more expensive end of the drink pricing it is undoubtedly a comfortable and rewarding place to spend time.

Rue du Marche au Charbon 27, 1000 Brussels
+32 2 608 30 41
Open 17:00 – 04:00

Written by Ray Si – proud member of IGLTA

18th December 2018
GAY TRAVEL | Overdose on chocolate and then go and sleep with Hubert in Brussels.

dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay

There’s no real scientific evidence to suggest that chocolate actually does work as an aphrodisiac. Many foods have been assigned such qualities, but by and large, they tend to have a strong placebo effect instead. In other words, they get you thinking about sex just by association, and this puts sex to the front of your mind. Could this be why ‘Chocolate Row’ in a central part of Brussels positively glows with the frisson of sexiness?

dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay

Belgium is known for two things, and if you are not here for the beer, then you should head along to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and try the chocolate. Found right in the heart of Brussels, this glass-domed series of galleries was one of the first shopping malls to be built in Europe and still retains the grandeur and architectural spectacle that reflects its century and a half age. It is filled with high-end boutiques, cultural organisation and, of course, a generous helping of chocolate shops.

Walkerssk / Pixabay

And if you are looking to explore the heart of Brussels social scene, bars and nightlife then there is no better location to use as your base than the nearby Hotel Hubert. Only a few minutes from the Grand Palace and Brussels Central Station, Hubert is a perfect mix of the luxurious and the easy-going, aims towards self-service but has an attentive staff to help you negotiate its modern concepts.

They strive for a home from home feeling, and that is precisely what you get. Brussels is one of the most progressive and liberal cities in Europe, it is a leading gay city with a rich history, thriving nightlife, a French vibe and delicious cuisine. It also has plenty to explore for the man looking for a men-only scene, a scene which you will find is discrete, varied and welcoming.

As the gay scene in London seems to be slowly fading out, Eurostar promotions are keeping the Londoners afloat with extremely affordable deals. If you want a city destination that is close and reasonably priced.

5 gay establishments to consider in Brussels

Macho Sauna: A very friendly and comfortable suite of rooms accommodating a sauna, a steam room, a gym and a hammam, a terrace, a lounge and a club zone. Choose the time to go carefully, mid-week is perfect if you want to concentrate on the facilities but the weekend is when it gets jam-packed and turns into a party zone.

Oasis Sauna: Pretty much the opposite of the sleek modernity of Macho Sauna, instead it is housed in a rather grand building filled with chandeliers, fireplaces, portraits and comfortable armchairs. All the usual facilities are to be found but with more of the atmosphere of an old-time Gentlemen’s Club.

The Stammbar: Open about the fact that it is a “music cruise bar, “ it is fitted out in an industrial style, has cruising areas, a dark room and is open every night. While it plays to the more obvious end of the scene, it is friendly and attitude free, popular with locals and visitors alike and manages to stay on the right side of the divide that separates sleazy and sexy from sordid and grubby.

La Baroque: Best described as compact and bijou but proves that size isn’t everything by being one of the most popular bars on the city’s the gay scene. It is full of colour and atmosphere, but most visitors drink outside. On the weekend, there’s usually a DJ who plays a mixture of club classics and pop music. Give him a wink, and he’ll play your favourite tune.

Station BXL: Midweek is very busy. It has a retro feel, plenty of room for dancing, some dark corners for more intimate encounters and although it might be at the more expensive end of the drink pricing it is undoubtedly a comfortable and rewarding place to spend time.

Written by Ray Si – proud member of IGLTA

17th December 2018
Concert Review: Ms Lauryn Hill: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour

Lauryn Hill may have a reputation for being a difficult, and sometimes wayward artist but seeing her perform, even if it meant travelling to another country to do so, could not have been more comfortable or more enjoyable.

Embed from Getty Images

Eurostar recently launched it’s direct service from London to Amsterdam.

Their services has become one of the most convenient and pleasant ways to travel for a lot of my European jaunts, and the process of checking in, clearing security, scanning tickets, and all the other rigmarole associated with travelling abroad seems much smoother than most airports I have experienced.

This journey was more than just a live gig, it was the 20th anniversary of Ms Lauryn Hill’s iconic album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The album was written in exasperation and hope after the dissolution of the Fugees and documents the relationship between Ms Hill and her bandmate Wyclef Jean. Soon after making this defining album she left the music industry to raise her children.

Her returns to the live arena have often been marred by stories of a difficult personality and a reputation for lateness, but tonight nothing seems to be further from the truth. Many fans have commented on such tardiness as being disrespectful to those who buy tickets to watch her shows, but I would say that it is more disrespectful to loyal supporters if they turn up to find their favourite artist lip-synching through the performance. Not that Ms Hill would ever need to resort to such cheap tricks and by contrast, her vocal delivery is both impressive and sublime.

Embed from Getty Images

The arena was full with a crowd made up of all ages, parents and children, family and friends, fans from back in the day, and those who have come to the artist more recently. They were all united by one common cause. As Ms Lauryn Hill reminded us just why this album and her performances had become the stuff of legend, the audience had only two real choices; To stand and stare at this iconic artist; To dance along, and stare at this iconic artist. She is known for freestyling through her set, often meaning that singing together is not the easiest thing to do, as she delivers unique takes on her music and wanders from the lyrical script. But as the better-known numbers occurred towards the end of the set, the whole arena could be heard singing the words to `”Killing Me Softly” and “Ready or Not”.

Ms Lauryn Hill proved that all she needs is a stage, a collection of sublime songs, and her awesome vocals. The Dutch crowd lapped up every moment. Ms Hill carried the audience through memories and nostalgia, a tribute to 20 years of this fantastic album, and the equally amazing women who made it and proving that music, like fine wine, can also age gracefully.

After such an inspiring musical experience, the last thing I wanted to do was jump on a train and rush home again, so I stayed at The Toren Hotel.

The hotel seems to be stuck in another world, a mixture of the elegance and opulence of the past, a blend of original features and modern convenience. A few humorous touches to keep things exciting and offbeat, it works! A perfect place to compliment Eurostar and my comfort needs.

Livenation lists a string of dates for Ms Lauryn Hill: Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour, including Wembley SSE Arena on 17th December 2018.

Written by: Ray Si – member of IGLTA

9th December 2018
Here’s the top ten places to eat in Bangkok

With so many choices and places to eat in the wonderful city of Bangkok, you’ll need a guide. Here travel expert Ray Si lists his favourite haunts.

AdenArdenrich / Pixabay

1) Of course, Thai cuisine is one of the most famous in the world, a bright blend that places emphasis on lightly prepared dishes with strong aromatic components and a spicy edge and when you emerge from the train into the heart of the city it is all around you. And like all intricate and creative foods, the joy is more than just in the eating it, it is also in the preparation, and to that end, you should take a cooking class at Blue Elephant Cooking School.

Not only great practical experience and great fun you, will be fully immersed in the art of Thai cuisine. You get to visit the local market to shop for the ingredients, learn the subtle skills of blending them together to make a variety of delicious dishes and then have the experience of eating them in a Michelin star restaurant.

Bangkok Flea Market

2) There is a vibrant food area at Bangkok Flea Market close by the MBK centre, and I have to admit that I have experienced some of my favourite Thai dinners here. Particularly look out for the fish, at only £4.00 per person you can’t go wrong.

The Banyan Tree

3) Visit The Banyan Tree rooftop for a drink but only eat here if you want boring and expensive non-Thai dishes. 5-star hotel prices for the inexperienced tourist, why pay that when there is so much better to be found all around you?

Paragon Shopping Centre

4) The food court at Paragon Shopping Centre which will leave you feeling rich in flavours and rich in the wallet, £1.17 bought me my main course… so I had 3! Well, why not?

Chinatown

5) If you visit Chinatown wander away from the main street and eat wherever you see a crowd of locals, which is always a good rule of thumb anyway and again value for money is the name of the game and £1 – £3.00 will get you a main dish that 2-3 can share.

Rosabieng Restaurant

6) Rosabieng Restaurant on Sukhumvit 11 is renowned for Tom Yum soup and deep-fried fish, and I can guarantee that you will visit more than once at only £10.00 per person.

Mango Tree

7) Mango Tree near Patpong Night Market has the best Thai Green Curry served at little more than a fiver a go.

LeBua Hote

8) The International Breakfast Buffet at LeBua Hotel offers all 3 meals at breakfast time at only £14.00 per person.

Banana Roti stalls

9) Hunt down Banana Roti stalls throughout the city and I suggest that you order without the egg as it is sweeter. One is enough to share but again at these low prices, less than a quid, buy two and give one to a passing stranger – it will make someone’s day.

Thip Samai

10) If you check out the tourist websites and travel guides they will try to convince you that Jay Fai’s Street Food with its Michelin star is the place to go but with a four-hour wait to be served and £23 for a crab omelette it is everything that you don’t visit this city for. Better still head a few doors down to down to Thip Samai for their legendary Pad Thai.

4th December 2018
GAY TRAVEL | A visit to Luxembourg, a country led by a proud gay Prime Minister

Luxembourg might not jump out at you as the most obvious place to head to for a European break. After all, France boasts Parisian style and world-renowned wines, Belgium and Germany are the beer destinations of choice for those with a taste for the hop, and if you are looking for sun, sea, sand and …well, shenanigans, then you probably head for the Mediterranean.

pvdv63 / Pixabay

But if you are a cultural explorer looking to see just how much fun can be had on the pink pound, then this little country has something that no other European state can rival. So the question is, ‘how vibrant is Luxembourg, a country where their Prime Minister is openly gay?’

The Grand Duchy, as it is more formally known is encompassed by Germany, Belgium and France and the capital, Luxembourg City has a population of only 115,000, a city where languages are as trendy as their chic nightlife. I have to admit that Luxembourg was not high on my list of must-see places, but when I started to research how easy and affordable direct flights were from London City Airport with Luxair, I packed my overnight bag and off I went.

Photo by visitluxembourg.com

The real draw of Luxembourg, both the country and the capital city, is that it is small but perfectly formed and offers a charming and manageable slice of northern Europe. It is also one of the wealthiest countries in the world and also features high on the list for global wine consumption.

Arriving at Luxembourg airport is probably going to one of the best immigration experiences you will encounter; 7 minutes or less to disembark from the plane and speed through customs is about par for the course. The city of Luxembourg is easily accessible by local bus, and it says much about a place when you learn that buses are free of charge on the busiest day of the week, Saturday.

Photo by visitluxembourg.com

Luxembourg City has been involved in European politics and war since Roman times due to its location, and as such there are vast swathes of fortification integrated into the fabric of the urban layout. But today that same location means that it is a weave of Gallic and Germanic cultural influences and has twice been named the European City of Culture. As expected it offers a wealth of museums and theatres, galleries and historic buildings and a gentle but friendly nightlife.

Photo by visitluxembourg.com

On the advice of visitluxembourg.com, I opted to stay at Le Place d’Armes, a hotel that would offer the same chicness and style as that of the city around me. I found myself booked into a luxurious two-story suite, which like all the rooms in the hotel are a mixture of ultra-modern and restored 19th-century original features. The carpets felt so plush it was as if they were changed daily just to keep my feet happy, and the bath was so deep that even an inveterate shower lover like me was briefly tempted to change my habits. The hotel has its own Michelin star restaurant and is in the perfect location as a base from which to explore the city, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Photo by hotel-leplacedarmes.com

Xavier Bettel is Luxembourg’s first openly gay Prime Minister and, worldwide, only the third openly gay head of government. He has stated that increasingly in Luxembourg, “people do not consider the fact of whether someone is gay or not,” and this is precisely how I would describe this liberal and welcoming country. The visitor who wants to find the ‘gay scene’ in Luxembourg will have quite a challenge as there is only one gay bar in the country. But that could be because Luxembourg does not need to have an identifiable and separate ‘scene’ when the whole country wants to celebrate the diversity of LGBT people, and frowns on the idea of people being excluded.

Embed from Getty Images

The compact and bijou nature of the city means that you can comfortably explore it on foot, and there are plenty of official tours to guide you through its most exciting and endearing features. My tour guide Sascha, kept me captivated that the four hours I spent in his company seemed no more effort than relaxing in the hotel’s sumptuous bath.

The city is full of cultural attractions from museums dedicated to everything from Roman occupation to The Battle of The Bulge, which raged through this area towards the end of World War II. From ancient cloth manufacturing to modern art to literature, industry, aviation, and of course wine.

Photo by visitluxembourg.com

Luxembourg is a well-kept and wonderful snapshot of Northern Europe through the ages. It is hard to find a destination that can hold a candle to this beautiful city and this tolerant and welcoming country.

Written by Ray Si – a proud member of IGLTA

2nd December 2018
Here’s where you should stay if you’re looking for a gay-friendly hotel in Bangkok

Bangkok offers a wealth of experiences and as this was my fourth time in the city, I thought that I should spend eight days away from the tourist trail and seeing the sites and instead soak up the other indulgences that the city has to offer.

Apparently, in such a city as Bangkok, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to where to stay, you can find something that will cater to even the most unusual or exacting tastes, but as a general rule, there are three areas of the city that make for a great base. Whichever you chose it is best to ensure that there is a BST station nearby. A single trip is only 58 pence and trying to navigate the Bangkok traffic via a taxi ride can really ruin your day.

Three great areas to stay in Bangkok

Sukhumvit is popular with visitors; it is a mix of bars and restaurants, and more residential areas and contains both some of the richest and poorest districts giving you a broad glimpse of all aspects of the city.

Silom is the closest Bangkok gets to Wall Street and contains many cultural and historical attractions. It is a quieter district but makes a perfect base from which to visit the hustle and bustle of the city without being surrounded by it when you want to relax.

But for me it is all about Siam as this is the heart of the city’s social scene, shopping, nightlife, food, and fun and with the tourist trail all ticket off via previous visits, this area was perfect for my needs this time around.

Gay-friendly hotel in Bangkok

I chose The Aspira Skyy as my home for the duration and no matter what the nature of your stay or the budget you are working with, this hotel chain, which are found all across the city and beyond, have something that will match your needs. And even the cheapest end of the options will result in the height of luxury.

My own room I found to be clean, spacious and perfect for an eight-night stay. The room includes all mod-cons, a large television, Wi-fi and mini-bar, hair-dryer, air conditioning, complimentary bottled water, bathrobes, and safety deposit box. But the highlight had to be the walk-in shower! The room does come with a balcony, but I found that it didn’t get used, after all why sit out in the humid air when you can relax in a temperature controlled room?

Overall it was a deluxe three-star hotel with a service more in keeping with a four-star location. More than adequate for my purposes.

Breakfast at the hotels was also adequate but uneventful though that doesn’t matter as it gives you the perfect excuse to check out the myriad street food stalls and restaurants that are within easy distance of the hotel. And of course, you are only ten minutes gentle stroll from the BST for when you want to really explore the city.

25th November 2018