My two favourite Christmas presents this year came from my son, Rory. One was a bright orange, ceramic garlic grater and the other was a copy of The New York Times 36 Hours – 125 weekends in Europe. The garlic grater has already been put to good use, especially last weekend when our Mediterranean cooking session required tons of the stuff.
The book is the perfect companion on the sofa during these cold nights. It’s very tactile: linen-bound, a weighty tome but quite floppy and flickable, with attractive little thumb-holes, larger versions of those found in an address book. It’s ideal for playing the “Where shall we go next on our holidays?” game. Pick a page number and we are obliged to go to that city. I’m memorising the numbers 254, 208 and 214 for Lisbon, Seville and Valencia as I quite fancy a little springtime sunshine.
The idea for the book came from the regular columns in the New York Times and, in essence, it gives readers recommendations of where to stay, eat and visit during the approximate 36 waking hours from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. Experienced journalists and travel writers have suggested the itineraries and everything is achievable in the time constraints.
Of course, I was curious: how close have my own European city breaks been to these itineraries? I’m bragging here but I think, pretty close. For instance, some of the hotels we have chosen match the recommendations by the illustrious journalists.
In 2005 we visited Rome and chose the newly-opened Fortyseven Hotel. Ten years on it is quite the place to stay.
Likewise, in 2009 we plumped for the Palais de la Mediterranee in Nice and here it is in the book.
2012, our fortnight in Sweden began with four nights at the Nobis Hotel in Stockholm. Surprise, surprise, this is mentioned as one of only two recommendations for the city. They even finish Sunday at the Fotografiska : I do hope they managed the entrance turnstile better than we did…
Even more surprising, in 2013 we self-catered in an unusual development in Birmingham. Fancy that, the Staying Cool apartments are highlighted, along with the Jewellery Quarter trail and dinner in Jamie’s Italian.
More recently, we had a wonderful weekend in Helsinki last year, staying at the very chic, Klaus K hotel. Naturally, the New York Times agrees with me.
Now I’m not sure what to make of this but I’m just saying – if they are looking for writers to check out any more European hotels, I’m obviously the go-to woman in Europe. And if they have this covered, then at least I am very confident that I can follow their recommendations for Lisbon, Seville and Valencia because they know me so well. Just think of the time it will save trawling through TripAdvisor reviews.
By the way, if you are still wondering about the garlic grater, Rory bought it at the Christmas market in Exeter.
Love a city break so will definitely look out for this book
I'm sure you would love it, knowing how you enjoy your European cities, like we do.
I think it's obvious they've been reading your blog! đ
That's it! Of course!
Ooh – I think this needs to turn into a regular thing – you know, you pick a page, follow the recommendations, and let us know how it went. Kind of like 'Julie and Julia,' only travel instead of cooking. I am definitely going to pick this one up the next time I'm in a bookshop!
That's a great idea: follow all their suggestions and see how it works out.
When we saw the book in John Lewis it was shrink-wrapped so we couldn't see inside. When Rory bought it, there was an unwrapped copy, so he could see what it was all about.
I'm just living vicariously through you these days cuz. xx
Ah, that's the problem for you living right in the middle of the states. It does make a big difference for us being able to use a lot of cheap airlines and a number of local airports – all these cities are just so close and the flights, at least, are affordable.
They would be stupid not to hire you. Please can I be your assistant writer? đ x
I think I will have to have a word. I'll put a good word in for you – you're the woman in the heart of Europe after all!
let's do it together, Trish…..(sounds like a great book!)
Another willing partner – excellent!
lol. How awesome that you chose some of the same hotels from the book without knowing! Clearly you should help them put together the next book! đ If you need help though, I’m more than willing to sacrifice a weekend or two (or three or four) to help.
Just saying. đ
I know – clever me! I’ll certainly put you down on my list of willing travel buddies ?