THEGAYUK

Category: Travel

 

  • 8 Things To Expect From A Trip To Israel

    8 Things To Expect From A Trip To Israel

    Israel is a land full of contradictions, as both the birthplace of the world’s three major religions and the first country in the entire Middle East to legalise gay marriage. It’s part desert, part war-zone, part perpetual pride parade.

    So here are a few things to expect should you decide to take a gay trip with a difference this year:

    1. There’s more than just Tel Aviv

    stefannyffenegger / Pixabay

    When people think of Israel, they think of the capital city, Tel Aviv. And while it may be the home of one of the world’s greatest and gayest pride celebrations, there is so much more to Israel than Tel Aviv.

    As the birthplace of human civilisation, the history of the country is staggering. I swear our tour guide very rarely began a story that didn’t start 2,000 years ago. At least. Much of the ancient structures are still there, allowing you to experience what life was like before Jesus.

    Locations like Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and Galilee, should definitely be included on any history buff’s itinerary.

    2. It’s VERY gay-friendly

     

    Despite its profoundly religious background, Israel is THE most progressive and gay-friendly country in the entire region. Having accepted gay marriage long before the UK did, that’s made even more impressive by the fact that the region and the country are so deeply religious.

    LGBT-friendly bars and clubs are everywhere in Tel Aviv, and there are plenty of LGBT tours that operate all year round for those wanting to see the sights with some fellow gays.

    3. It’s hot… in a good way

    In some of the mountainous areas, the winter months can see snow while the rest of the country is wearing shorts. We were hiking up mountains in shorts and floating in the Dead Sea in November, and it was GLORIOUS!

    4. It’s not cheap … not in a good way

    Despite the thrift market feel of some of Tel Aviv’s best shopping districts, the city and the country as a whole, are not cheap. So don’t go out expecting a bargain-basement break when you visit.

    5. Religion is EVERYWHERE

    rliessum / Pixabay

    Seeing as Jerusalem was where all three of the major religions were started, it’s not surprising that religion is deeply ingrained in Israel’s society to this day. It was fascinating (if not a little creepy) to be the only atheist in a city where Jesus himself hung out; seeing the tomb where he was supposedly buried, and the countless churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples crammed into this tiny little patch of land.

    6. You’ll eat a lot of hummus

    Ajale / Pixabay

    Every region in Israel claims to be the inventors of hummus, and that they make the best hummus in the world. So be expected to eat a lot of it. From luxury hotels to tiny street cafés, there’s plenty of variations to try, paired with endless servings of freshly baked pita. Indulge! It’s only chickpeas!

    7. They will talk about the war… and it will be awkward

    shafman / Pixabay

    When you tell your mum you’re going to Israel, she will invariably tell you to be careful. And with so much talk about the many wars that have taken place in this tiny stretch of land over the millennia, I can understand why. It took us five days of history lessons before we could finally grasp the intensely complicated history behind the civil unrest that is still taking place. However, there were times during our tour when we were a few scant kilometres from the action, and we never heard a thing.

    There are signs and novelty t-shirts making jokes about Palestine, but in my experience, it’s probably best not to joke about it too loudly if you’re not a local.

    8. Security is STRICT

    eommina / Pixabay

    I like to think I’m fairly well-travelled, and I have NEVER experienced anything like the check-in procedures when visiting Israel. I spent easily half an hour explaining every detail about my trip and my travel history to the woman at customs, all before I’d even checked my back. (It probably didn’t help that I grew up in the Middle East and have a load of Arabic stamps in my passport).

    I arrived 3 hours early, and I certainly needed that much time. They will ask lots of questions, they may take your passport and make you wait for ages, but they’re doing that so that they can keep their country safe. Do you blame them?

  • 4 things to do on a quiet weekend in Hamburg

    Hamburg, here we come.

    I’m not usually one for quiet weekends, for me, a quiet weekend usually means I didn’t go out Friday night but didn’t get home on Saturday night until Sunday afternoon. I had a weekend spare, and a friend of mine was having a birthday in Hamburg so I popped up and spent a couple of days touring the city on a surprisingly warm summer day, while still managing to fit in a night at a great club on the city’s party strip, the Reeperbahn. Aside from clubbing and meeting hot German boys, here are 4 things to do in Hamburg on a quiet weekend.

    Take a harbour tour. The city of Hamburg is home to the largest commercial harbour in Germany, and the third busiest in Europe. Unsurprisingly, this makes it Hamburg’s largest tourist attraction. Most of the attractions of Hamburg can be found around the water, in fact, the water is almost everywhere: the city has more bridges than any other city in the world, with 2300 bridges within the city limits. While Hamburg is a very walkable city, and there is plenty to see when you travel around the city by foot, but there is nothing quite like taking a harbour tour and seeing it all from the water. The harbour boat tour company Barkassen-Mayer provides several boat trips throughout the day, and are easily found along the main harbour terminal near the Hamburg Hard Rock Café. The tour takes about an hour and takes you past several interesting features of the harbour, including military installations and the largest ships to be found in the port.

    Take an open-topped bus tour with Red Double-Decker Busses. Like many cities, Hamburg has a hop-on-hop-off open-topped bus tour. The buses run all day long, and stops are all over the city. There’s even a helpful tour-guide to point out all the interesting things there are to see along the way. To make things easier, you can catch the bus at the main station, and take it down to the harbour to get the boat tour and continue the bus tour to another part of town. A perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon when nothing much else is happening.

    Visit the Hamburg Miniature Wonderland. Not content with having the largest port in Germany or the most bridges in the world, Hamburg is also home to the world’s largest model railway. A really fun way to spend an afternoon – particularly on days when the weather isn’t the best for being outside.

    Visit the Elbphilharmonie viewing platform. While bookings to get seats inside the brand-new Hamburg Phil are booked out until sometime in mid-2019, the open-access viewing platform is open to the public for free every day. Free tickets are available online or from machines at the entrance.  These give you access to the 6th-floor viewing platform, which aside from providing a great view over the harbour, are also home to a number of great bars and restaurants which offer an excellent view with your dinner or drinks. After spending the weekend touring the city, a relaxing drink overlooking the harbour is the perfect way to wrap up a weekend in Hamburg.

    While staying in Hamburg, you’ll need a convenient and well-appointed hotel. The Radisson Blu Hamburg Airport is a great option as it puts you a short walk from the airport, and is on the metro line that runs directly to the main station and on to the main party district of Hamburg city. The Radisson offers the level of comfort you expect from a high-quality hotel. The rooms are spacious and the large beds are comfortable and probably can give you a great night’s sleep – but whoever came to Germany to use a bed to sleep? They do however offer a great bar in the lobby, and the breakfast buffet is also excellent, with a wide range of options to suit all your needs. I’m a particularly big fan of the whole smoked salmon, but that’s just me.

    The best way to get from A to B in Hamburg is the public transport system. Metro and buses run 24 hours to all parts of the city and there are handy machines at every metro station (including the one at the airport) where you can buy a Hamburg card which gives you unlimited travel on the HVV public transport system, as well as discounts on many museums, tours, and restaurants. Cards are also available online, can be purchased for groups of up to 5 people, and are valid for the day of purchase until 6 am the following day.

  • HOTEL REVIEW | The Seven Hotel & Wellness, Gran Canaria

    I shelved travelling to Gran Canaria for many years because I had horrors of being surrounded by youngsters on their first holiday along with every other restaurant serving a full English Breakfast.

    I would have probably been close to that dread if it wasn’t for the tranquillity of The Seven Hotel & Wellness – Gay Only. After a comfortable 4 hour flight from London to Las Palmas airport (LPA), it was a smooth 25-minute drive to the area of Maspalomas.

    When I arrived, I began to ponder the undeveloped surrounding areas and wondered where the ocean was hiding. All the rubble from the airport journey was left behind and forgotten about as soon as I walked through the resort doors and confronted with the dramatic backdrop of the island’s impressive mountains, endorsed by deep blue clear skies. This gay resort in Gran Canaria has perfectly set itself in a surprising picturesque landscape. You might find it a struggle to leave the grounds especially when you’re spoilt by attentive staff, spacious raindrop showers, 24hr access to the sauna, heated outdoor Jacuzzi, loungers inside the pool and of course temperatures reaching a steep 25 degrees (Nov ‘ 17).

    kasabubu / Pixabay

    With a somewhat struggle, I managed to pull myself away from the resort and took a 5-minute drive to the ever so talked about Yumbo Centre. The Yumbo Centre is not an area, it’s not a village, it’s not an attraction, it’s an exasperated outdoor shopping centre that looks as though it can’t be bothered. Don’t go searching for authentic Spanish food at Yumbo (or anywhere in the area), having spoken to some of the locals the general consensus is that they don’t have to improve Yumbo or renew the area as tourists settle for the wreck and continue to flock in and out each week. I wonder how many gay tourists would return to Yumbo Centre after leaving the island? So when it comes to choosing where to spend a few precious days on a winter break, food is almost as high in my priorities as sunshine. Not in a Michelin restaurant sort of way – but with local restaurants more in mind. Where can I eat well – and affordably?


    After seeing what was on offer at Yumbo, I was extremely content with my dining option at Abora Restaurant a Dégustation experience every night in the good company of the staff, guests and the mountains all without the high prices that such an experience can fetch. The oceanfront lined restaurants in Meloneras was an eye opener for not settling on Yumbo as a gay hotspot Gran Canaria. The word of mouth – Restaurante Borneo was a high point of my trip, home cooked food with care and attention also where else in the world can you get kisses and hugs from the fantastic Chef.

    All the gay bars are in the Yumbo Centre and opened every day with the majority of them starting to peak evidence of life past midnight. Many of the gay guests at The Seven Hotel opted to socialise at the resort bar, exchanging stories and laughs among gay travellers from Sweden, Italy, Germany, UK, Russia, France and USA.

    Seven Dos:

    1. Accept that this is part of Spain even though it doesn’t feel like it should be
    2. Stay in a Suite at The Seven Hotel & Wellness and opt for half board
    3. Spend half a day in Las Palmas and get an overview from the Sightseeing bus tour
    4. Hire a car (if only to do your airport to hotel transfers – very inexpensive )
    5. Avoid Yumbo Centre and take a long walk on the sand dunes or book a massage
    6. Dine at the word of mouth Restaurante Borneo
    7. Have a glass of something and people watch in the Meloneras area

    For a real understanding of what makes Gran Canaria tick start by deciding if you want to retreat or not – whatever you choose it will be worth the trip and a Grand Canary-On!

     

  • 9 Things Only Assholes Do When They Travel

    9 Things Only Assholes Do When They Travel

    Take your damned laptop out of your cabin bag… creep.

    In this golden age of travel, most of the millennial generation have been on international flights by the time they hit puberty. But just because travel is such a regular part of our lives these days, it doesn’t mean that all etiquette should go out the window. It’s very easy to let jet lag and frustration get the better of you, but if you’re doing any of these nine things, then you’re probably a travel asshole and should stop immediately.

    Note: This listicle may contain angry ranting and passive aggressive comments from a traveller who gets very irritable when flying.

    1. Treating airport and airline staff like crap

    andreas160578 / Pixabay

    We’ve all seen those TV shows in which airport staff are screamed at by angry tourists with a 4-hour delay. But more often than not it’s not their fault. Imagine yourself in their shoes before taking your jet lag-fuelled frustration out on them.

    2. Rummaging for your passport when you get to the check-in counter

    gay travel tips

    You’ve been queuing for the last 20 minutes to check in, that’s plenty of time to get out your passport and any other documentation that you know you’ll need when you get to the check-in counter.

    You know they need to see your passport, so have it out and ready to speed things up.

    3. Leaving liquids in your carry-on

    Even if you’ve never flown before, surely you must know that you can’t take liquids in your carry-on luggage.

    There are signs saying this pretty much everywhere.

    So if you have to take liquids on board, put them in a plastic baggy BEFORE you get to the airport. And please please please, don’t be that jerk who gets all the way to the security check before taking them out of your bag.

    What do you think the rest of us have been doing while we queued?!

    4. Same with laptops

    Now I don’t know why the X-Ray machine needs your laptop to be out of your bag, but it does. So use your time while waiting to take it out (along with your liquids), so you can put it straight in that plastic tub and head straight through.

    5. Rushing to board at the gate

    Most boarding procedures call up passengers to board based on their zones, so know which one is yours and wait your turn. Those with children and those needing assistance will always board first, but don’t panic; they’re not taking your seat, it’ll still be there for you when you board in a minute. You’re going to be sitting in it for the next few hours, what’s your rush?

     

    6. Blocking the aisles while boarding

    gay travel tips

    You might need to go through your bag to take out your book, snacks, and iPad, but please don’t do it while standing in the aisle.

    There are a lot of people trying to get to their seat, and they shouldn’t have to wait for you to find and untangle your headphones before getting past.

    7. Using the bathroom while people are boarding

    You know what’s more annoying than someone standing in the aisle while 200 people try to board a plane? Someone walking in the opposite direction of 200 people trying to board a flight. Either use the loo before you get on board or hold it until you’re up in the air.

    8. Putting your seat back while someone behind you is eating

    That’s just a dick move. You’re probably eating too, so sit up straight and let them eat their “delicious” aeroplane meal in peace.

    9. Getting up before the seat belt sign has been turned off

    Gadini / Pixabay

    They say this every time, and without fail a load of jerks will jump out of their seats the second the plane touches the ground to clamber for their bags. Wait until it’s safe and then chill out and get your bag.

    We’re not going anywhere yet as they haven’t parked the plane, so there’s no need to elbow Grandma out of the way to get your bags before she does.

  • Ryanair is changing its cabin baggage policy – and it’s going to cost you more

    Ryanair, the-world’s-favourite-squeeze-more-out-of-you airline is set to change its cabin baggage policy.

    In a bid to tackle late departures, Ryanair says that passengers who haven’t booked a priority ticket, will only be able to carry on “one small” cabin bag – you will have to check your larger items.

    Previously all passengers were allowed to take on two pieces of baggage, one small handbag and a larger suitcase like cabin bag, but that’s all set to change from January 15th. Now if you want both bags with you on the plane you will have to have a priority, Flexi Plus or Family Plus ticket. If you’re a standard ticket holder, your larger item will have to go in the hold – although that will be for free. The only catch is you’ll have a longer wait time at the airport at the end of your destination as you’ll have to pick it up from baggage reclaim.

    Want to keep both sets of baggage with you on the plane? You’ll have to cough up €5.00 for a priority boarding pass, at the time of booking or €6 up to one hour before the flight.

    It’s not all bad news though, Ryanair has lowered the price of its checked baggage from €35 to €25 each way and raised the limit from 15kgs to 20 kgs.

    What will I be able to take into the Ryanair cabin with me?

    If you are a standard, non-priority customer, you’ll only be permitted to bring on one small cabin bag. If you bring larger cabin bag, you will have to put it into the hold.

    Your handbag must be no bigger than 35cm x 20cm x 20cm your cabin bag or suitcase must be no bigger than  55cm x 40cm x 20cm and 10kg in weight.

    Time for change

    Speaking about the policy change, Kenny Jacobs said,

    “We will delay the introduction of our new cabin bag rules until 15th January 2018, to allow our customers more time to familiarise themselves with the policy changes. From Jan, we will be restricting non-priority customers to one small carry-on bag (their wheelie bag will be placed in the hold, free of charge at the boarding gate) which will speed up the boarding of flights and eliminate flight delays.

    “We have already introduced the first phase of the new bag policy which offers our customers lower bag fees for a 33% increase in their check-in bag allowance. This will lead to fewer customers with 2 carry-on bags at the boarding gates, which is causing flight delays.

    “The new cabin bag policy will be implemented for all travel after 15th January 2018, and we hope our customers will enjoy the savings of our new simplified bag policy.”

  • Four US cities you totally need to visit in the Midwest

    Four US cities you totally need to visit in the Midwest

    Travelling to America as a gay man you probably think New York, South Beach or San Francisco, well we recently had a little vagaytion to America’s Midwest and we uncovered some wonderful gems.

    gay things to do in Chicago
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    View from the John Hancock centre. 96 floors up.

    Springfield

    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Springfield’s capitol building.

    Springfield is the state capitol of Illinois and the political heartland of the state. Every street corner is bustling with political back channelling, clandestine meets and poll rigging… We may have just made that up, but we’re absolutely certain people were talking about The Good Wife. Politically speaking, Illinois is one of the epicentres of US politics, which boasts two Presidents who lived in the state, Abraham Lincoln and Barrack Obama.

    Abraham Lincoln nose
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Rub the nose of Lincoln, it brings good luck

    Whilst you’re there make sure you visit the Illinois State Capitol building (pictured above) and breath in that political air, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Oakridge Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln’s tomb is located, (don’t forget to rub the nose of his statue, it’s supposed to be good luck) and be sure to grab yourself a hot dog on a stick at the Cosy Dog Drive in.

    Gay bar Springfrield
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    You might be surprised to know that Springfield has its very own gay bar, Club Station House – a very friendly affair. On the night we stayed we sang Rick Astley karaoke – the locals had no idea who he was, but they clapped all the same.

    Hotel in Springfield
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Stay at the gorgeous State House Inn, but here’s a tip – ask for an odd numbered room. They’re at the back of the hotel – and you shouldn’t be disturbed by the Juggernaut trains that slice through the city at 3 AM in the morning – horns blaring.

    Chicago

    Chicago
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Obviously, no trip to America’s Midwest would be complete without a stay in Chicago. From an LGBT perspective, it’s got two incredibly friendly neighbourhoods – the more youth orientated Boystown and the slightly maturer Andersonville. Of course, there are many gay bars to visit and street festivals to try out, but one particularly sensational event to try, is the Andersonville Annual Midsoomarfest. If you go a stranger, I promise you won’t leave without making friends.

    Andersonville, gay bar
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    When you’re in Chicago top attractions include: The Tilt – a glass enclosure which tilts you out over Chicago, 94 floors up the John Hancock centre, Navy Pier – where you can book an evening cruising on the sleek Odyssey cruise boat and watch as the sun sets on Chicago’s famous skyline, take in a few paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago and if you’re feeling brave – splash out on a helicopter ride overlooking the entire beachfront of the magnificent city.

    As with all major cities make sure you make time for a river cruise and perhaps catch something at the theatre – perhaps the Blueman group and avail yourself of some Chicago pie. It’s like nothing you’ve ever tried before.

     

    Indianapolis

    Indiana
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Outside Illinois state, in the state of Indiana,  you’ll want to try and visit the state’s capital city, Indianapolis, famous for amongst other things the Indy Car Race Track. If you’re around March through September make sure you catch one of the 16 races – and join over 300,000 spectators who revel in the high-octane Indy car racing. If you fancy something a little slower then try a Sedway riverside tour. Honestly, as you take a Sedway tour along the river, you’ll think you’re in a different time altogether – as it looks incredibly futuristic. It’s no secret that Indianapolis’s culinary scene is booming, ask any city-dweller the best place for eats, and they’ll gladly reel off a list of great places. For one of the most incredible meals, you need to dine out at St Elmo’s Steak House and try the Shrimp Cocktail.

    Indianapolis is home to a number of gay bars and spaces and has one of the highest attended LGBT Prides in the US. If you’re looking for a spot of entertainment then a visit to the Talbott Street Nightclub is a must. They regularly host special events which often feature the gals from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

    For more venues visit our guide page.

     

    Galena

    Galena
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    If you’re a fan of the fly/drive holiday then you’ll want to check out the Great Lakes Facebook page, where you’ll get lots of ideas for glorious cities, friendly towns and exciting hot-spots to visit whilst you’re in the area. One such find is the ridiculously beautiful town of Galena. Around 3 hours west of Chicago, you’ll drive through miles and miles of farming land – the Midwest is known as the breadbasket of America – because of its wheat production and you’ll certainly see a lot of it.

    The roads are easy, wide and once outside the city limits mainly free from traffic. You can forget the M6 or M25. Galena is a different world altogether and as you enter through the town’s giant floodgates (it sits on the Galena River which feeds into the almighty Mississippi River) you’ll be left wondering if you’ve actually stepped back in time.

    Home to just under 3500 people, the town has an incredible friendly laid-back appeal. You must stay in one of the gorgeous, unique suites at the Jail Hill Inn – owned, operated and lovingly restored by the Inn Keeper, Matthew Carroll. Fill your boots at the wonderfully authentic Vinny Vanucchi‘s Italian restaurant. To really get your orientation in this quaint historic town buy a ticket for the Galena Trolleys – which depart from 10 AM  until 9 PM. Your guide will take you on a whirlwind stop of this picture perfect town.

    If you’ve a head for heights book yourself on to the Balloon flight experience – and see how beautiful the Midwest countryside is from the sky. As you float several thousand feet up let yourself drift with the wind – who knows where you’ll end up next.

     

  • Florida Keys and Key West set to reopen after Hurricane Irma

    After the Florida Keys were impacted by Hurricane Irma on 10 September, local government officials have announced that the island chain will reopen to visitors on Sunday, 1 October.

    Potential visitors are advised that while it is safe to travel to the Keys, recovery efforts are ongoing, especially in the Lower Keys and parts of Marathon which were hardest hit by the Category 4 storm. Not all lodging is operating on a normal basis currently and this includes RV resorts and other tourism facilities throughout the Keys. The districts of Key Largo and Key West were the least impacted, however, visitors planning to travel to the Keys in the coming months are advised to call ahead to ensure their chosen hotels1 and favourite attractions are open.

    Motorists should use extreme caution when navigating Marathon and the Lower Keys regions and stay off side roads to avoid hindering restoration activities. Bridges on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway have passed inspections and any necessary repairs have been made.

    Officials confirmed that the decision to open the Keys to visitors is based on some of the most immediate infrastructure repairs having been completed. Almost all power and water services have now been restored and mobile phone service is working well, however, the full restoration of television and internet connections is taking longer to re-establish. Throughout the Keys there are significant debris piles that are being removed by clean-up contractors.

    Monroe County Mayor George Neugent commented, “We know we have a long way to go before the Keys fully recover, but because tourism is our top economic engine and many of our residents’ livelihoods depend on it, we also know that we need to begin asking visitors to return.”

    UK travellers planning a visit to the Keys can access the island chain from this weekend through the normal gateway airports of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. International airports in Marathon and Key West have also reopened to aviation traffic and The Port of Key West is now welcoming cruise ships again.

    While some special events have been postponed or cancelled, key upcoming events include Key Largo’s Humphrey Bogart Film Festival (18-22 October) and Key West’s Fantasy Fest (20-29 October), both of which will take place as originally scheduled.

  • Gay Party On A Pink Lake In Austria!… Why Wouldn’t You?

    Gay Party On A Pink Lake In Austria!… Why Wouldn’t You?

    I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, not every gay festival needs to be a pride festival. While it made my gay heart swell three sizes that day, there’s more to gay festivals than rainbows, parades and boys in short shorts… I mean not much more.

    This year, Austria’s Pink Lake Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary, decking out the small town of ‘Velden am Wörthersee’ with pink flags and offering up fun in the sun and general gay merriment.

    3 days of gay

    For those of you who haven’t been, the Pink Lake Festival stretches out over 3 days, with themed parties on each night and the day left open to wander the riviera-style town of Velden, or simply sprawl out in the sunshine.

    Olly, one of the many gorgeous gays that I met who had flown over from the UK, was more than happy to gush about why this was his third trip to the festival.

    “For me there’s an infectious sense of fun about the whole festival. There’s more than a dash of holiday camp about it – with the games at the beach club and the splashing about in the Wörthersee on inflatable flamingos and unicorns. The chance to meet lots of gays from elsewhere in Europe is also really exciting – I’ve met Austrians, Hungarians, Germans, Czechs.

    It’s enjoyable being in a minority as a Brit, and being able to find out about gay life across the continent, not just in the established metropoles. Austria is generally beautiful, and Carinthia has some of the best weather. Any event that can bring stunning scenery, reliably pleasant weather and lots of interesting and attractive gay men is bound to be a winner in my book.”

    Day 1: Lederhosen night

    No gay trip to a German-speaking country would be complete without dressing up in Lederhosen… no straight trip either I imagine. The Lederhosen party kicks off the first night of festivities, located in a sectioned off area of the town square, the little city is awash with gay tourists from the world over, strutting around in the least kinky of get ups you could imagine. And it’s fabulous!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BYNU8EDgH95

    Day 2: Pink & Blue Ball

    (As a single gay attending this trip solo and being surrounded by gorgeous Euro-gays, the irony of this night was not lost on me.)

    Where the first night was a more casual mingling of gays at sunset, the Pink & Blue Ball got back to our stereotypical roots; piling hundreds of gays into an out-of-use hipster grunge club in an old factory layout. It was exactly how you would picture it, yet still somehow surprisingly civil. With multiple rooms and levels, it’s kind of impossible to find anyone once you lose them, but all the basic staples of a great gay night out were there. Extended dance mixes of your favourite forgotten songs, a dedicated pop room that I did not spend enough time in, and a couple of appearances by Mr. Gay Austria himself.

    A complimentary coach will pick you up from town and take you to this weird and wonderful location on the other side of the lake. However, don’t feel that you need to get the first coach there, as I did. I was basically standing around trying to look interested/interesting for 2 hours before the quality crowd rolled in at around 11pm. The coach will also take you back to town. Oooooorrrr, you could catch a disco taxi! What’s a disco taxi I hear you say?

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BY5vVIVg8X_/

    Day 3: The Boat Party!

    You can’t have a gay festival on a lake without the obligatory boat party to wrap up the festivities. At 9pm, the first of three loud, pink riverboats comes crawling into town. The ever-subtle presence of blazing pink lights and blaring Euro-Pop music is accompanied by, what I assume are hilarious, German comments from the local drag queen host.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BYZGwQ1Dhtl/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BYZFStxjHWw/

    Water-sports

    Not that kind of water-sports … I mean there may have been, but they weren’t on my itinerary.

    While you recover from the night before, it’s important to remember that this is called the Pink Lake Festival for the very obvious reason that it is held by a lake. Add in the gorgeous 30 degree weather and bright blue skies, it would be worth the trip to just sit and soak up the sunshine while surrounded by gorgeous gays in tiny trunks. Seriously, you couldn’t make this setting up if you were writing Danielle Steele novels for homos.

    Pink Lake Festival 2018

    It’s not too early to start planning your visit for next year. Visit http://www.pinklake.at/en/ to find out more details and to book tickets now!

    For further information on Holidays in Austria, please visit: www.austria.info

    Social Handles

    Facebook – @visitaustria

    Twitter – @Austria_UK

    Instagram – @visitaustria

     

  • London Mayor Sadiq Khan backs Uber’s ban

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has backed Transport for London’s decision not to renew Uber’s operating license suggesting Uber did not “play by the rules”.

    In a statement regarding TfL’s decision Mayor Sadiq Khan said,

    “I want London to be at the forefront of innovation and new technology and to be a natural home for exciting new companies that help Londoners by providing a better and more affordable service.

    However, all companies in London must play by the rules and adhere to the high standards we expect – particularly when it comes to the safety of customers. Providing an innovative service must not be at the expense of customer safety and security.

    “I fully support TfL’s decision – it would be wrong if TfL continued to license Uber if there is any way that this could pose a threat to Londoners’ safety and security.

    “Any operator of private hire services in London needs to play by the rules”.

     

    The blow to the Saudi backed Uber could potentially mean the loss of tens of thousands of jobs across London as well affecting over 3.5 million passengers who use the service.

  • Uber told it cannot operate in London anymore

    But don’t worry just yet – those Prius’s could be around for a good few years yet

    Uber banned from operating in London

    Transport for London (TfL) has informed US tech firm Uber that it will not issue it a private hire operator licence after the expiry of its current licence on 30 September. TfL cited the company’s policy on reporting criminal offences, hiring policies and tech software which could bar regulatory organisations for gaining full access to its technology as some of its reasons.

    The blow to Uber could potentially mean the loss of tens of thousands of jobs across London as well affecting over 3.5 million passengers who use the service.

    Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said in a statement, “I fully support TfL’s decision – it would be wrong if TfL continued to license Uber if there is any way that this could pose a threat to Londoners’ safety and security.”

    In a statement, Uber said, “far from being open, London is closed to innovative companies”.

    Why did the TFL ban Uber?

    In making its decision to effectively ban Uber TfL said,

    TfL has concluded that Uber London Limited is not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator licence.

    TfL considers that Uber’s approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications. These include:

    • Its approach to reporting serious criminal offences.
    • Its approach to how medical certificates are obtained.
    • Its approach to how Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are obtained.
    • Its approach to explaining the use of Greyball in London – software that could be used to block regulatory bodies from gaining full access to the app and prevent officials from undertaking regulatory or law enforcement duties.

    Gone from London’s streets?

    Uber has 21 days to appeal and those appeals could see the battle for Uber on London’s street rage for years into the future. Tfl also noted that Uber had the right to appeal the decision and that it could continue to operate ” until any appeal processes have been exhausted”.

  • This is why you should DEFINITELY NOT use the kettle in your hotel room

    You might want to think again before downing a cup of packeted Nescafe…

    So apparently some totally gross people are using their hotel room’s kettle to boil their underwear. I mean WTF people.

    I mean WTF people.

    Now you might assume that boiling water kills off bacteria – but apparently, not all microbes and bacterium are killed off by simply boiling water.

    A senior lecturer in Molecular Biosciences at Massey University in Aukland, Dr Heather Hendrickson, spoke to Gizmodo to say that indeed, boiling your underwear in a kettle was just not cool.

    She said,

    “It is super super super super gross,”

    Apparently, some bacteria form spores that are highly immune to temperatures up to 120 Celsius and over a long period of time. Botulism causing Clostridium botulinum spores are a good example of this…

    That cheapy hotel kettle just isn’t going to cut it!

    She continued,

    “These don’t cause sickness if they are consumed, but their presence in certain environments can encourage them to produce a toxin that can be deadly.”

    People… please don’t use your kettle to boil your undies – use the laundry service – that’s what it’s there for.