The line-up is huge and although Snoop Dogg has pulled out there are plenty of other artists and DJ’s to keep you entertained. The list includes DJ Shadow, Example, Groove Armada, Fatboy Slim, Labrinth, The Vaccines, Chase & Status, The Whip and loads more.

As one of the largest and most highly regarded resorts in the world Mayrhofen is completely taken over for a week long party of hedonistic adventure and extreme sport. The resort also boasts some of Europe’s most lavish spas so you can relax and enjoy the amazing spring sunshine and snowy mountains of one of Europe’s most snow-sure, late season winter resorts. The nearby Tux glacier (Austria’s highest lifted point) is also only a short (free) bus ride away, and although open all-year round, it’s at its best in spring.

Snowbombing is an entertainment and accommodation package, where you can choose a variety of accommodation options to suit your preferences and budget; from 5 star luxury Spa hotels, to pocket friendly pensions.

You can add a variety of extras to build a package to suit you including a variety of lift passes, bespoke parties, including the infamous Arctic Disco and the bonkers Backcountry Party plus ski & snowboard lessons, equipment hire and airport transfers.

Prices start from £289 for accommodation and all the entertainment.

1 WEEK / 14 UNIQUE VENUES / 5 MOUNTAIN STAGES / 4 IGLOO RAVES / 5,000 STRONG STREET PARTY / 1 AWARD WINNING BOARD PARK / 18 SPAS AND POOLS / 639KM OF PISTE

Snowbombing 2012
April 9-14
Mayrhofen, Austria

Eating in Little India

It was getting late (around 10pm) when we headed down Serangoon Road. There was plenty of activity with the bright lights of Deepavali celebrations but it seemed that most cafes had closed up for the Saturday night.

Stumbling upon an outdoor square with people eating we headed for a much-needed refreshment of a beer in the sticky, humid night air. Befriending an elderly gent (who didn’t actually work there as we later found out) he lead us to a stall whose lager offer didn’t stretch below 8% (when Special Brew is the lowest alcohol content on offer in the fridge you know you should probably turn around). So of course we bought a bottle of Premium Strength Kingfisher – it looked and sounded the least harmful of the choice (Haywards 5000, Godfather, and the aforementioned Special Brew).

With bemused glances from our fellow drinkers our elderly friend informed us the area was for ‘local workers’ unbeknown to us we were sitting in the middle of a potential staff canteen.

After the delightfully tasting lager-syrup concoction we went on the search for food. At 10.30pm this appeared a tall-order for Little India. We had walked through a pungent smelling Hawker Centre (indoor food hall) and a few non-beer serving indian veggie restaurants.

After dodging the traffic and doing as the locals seem to – close your eyes, run across a busy road and hope you don’t get knocked over – we found Jungle Tandoor.  This weirdly themed north indian restaurant is full of odd animal paraphernalia. While we’re not sure where squirrels and rabbits sit happily with Lions, White Tigers and Polar Bears – with a few red indians thrown in along Bhuddist Monk – thank goodness the food was more authentic than the decor.

The BBQ Tandoori Chicken was just on the right side of hot and full of flavour. The mains included Fish Biriani and Chicken Methi Malay which were nice twists on our usual balti houses back home.

Shopping on Haji Lane

Hang out with Singapore’s cool kids on Haji Lane where independent boutiques line the entire stretch of this skinny road in the Arab Quarter.

From beautifully made bikes in grass green, sky blue and orange with brown leather trims and, most importantly, shiny white tyres at Tokyo Bike to reasonably priced bags, accessories and uber-cute clothes from the lovely Blog Shop there is a multitude of great things to choose from.

There’s vintage-inspired handmade items and designer wear but be warned – these items are made for the smaller Asian frame.

If you fancy a spot to eat there are plenty of cute and inexpensive cafes and sheesha bars to choose from. It is pretty cheap to eat in the area (SGD $5.50/£2.75 for a bowl of noodles with prawns and pork). You’ll get basic but tasty and nourishing food to keep you going for the rest of your shopping trip.

Where to go for Culture

Armenian Street is the heart of the ‘Culture Quarter‘ and has several good spaces to check out. PEEK! sells cult photography items from Lomography and Superheadz and is an analogue phorographer lovers dream. It nt only looks great and is full of lovely items but there is also a gallery space to give you inspiration on what to do with your newly purchased kit.

Meanwhile local artists take up residency in The Substation where a gallery space showcases work in Singapore’s first independent contemporary arts centre. You can see a mix of critically acclaimed artists with new up-and-coming talent depending on the day you visit.

Set over 4-floors Art Plural inhabits an impressive art deco building and presents solo and group exhibitions along with public art projects, conferences and installations. You’ll need to press the buzzer to get in but don’t be intimidated; the staff are friendly and helpful and willing to walk you around the space and tell you about the work if you wish.

Where to Stay

Set within the tranquil surroundings of Fort Canning Park (which hosts the occasional concert – on the night we arrived it was ‘retro night’ with Human League) Hotel Fort Canning opened in November 2010 after an extensive two and a half year refurbishment (costing SGD$70m) from its former use as a club house.

The hotel was originally built in 1926 and used for the British Far East Command Centre as a military base for personnel. With a vantage point on the hill of Singapore’s River (since hidden by buildings and skyscrapers)  the park and area is steeped in history. So much so that the hotel has remnants from an archaeological find with pieces on display integrated in to the lobby floor under glass. The displays showcase pottery pieces from the 14th century and contrasting them with the finds of the 19th century and early British occupation.

The sympathetic refurb has discovered many of the period pieces of the building and the design has taken the surroundings of the park and planted them firmly in the rooms. With the use of wood, soft furnishings in golds and greens there are no photo’s or art on the walls rather mirrors, lighting and feature fabric headrests to the ceiling.

The ‘open’ concept of a large free-standing deep bath tub in the middle of some of the rooms might strike you as odd – especially if you’re sharing the room with a friend rather than partner – but it makes for a fun experience. Other rooms have a separate bathing area but with the ability to open the blinds and look out from the tub.

The inspiration for the concept comes once again from outdoors and the park which in the 14th Century was home to the royal bath house. These touches recently lead to the hotel winning Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Architectural Heritage Award for the careful preserving and integrating of the heritage icon.

In contrast one of the hotel’s dining areas is set within a recently added Glass House building. The space also includes a hi-tec gym and a spa. Joining the old with the new are two outdoor pools; one for lengths and one for splashing with the addition of very nice poolside furniture and day beds.

The boutique hotel has 86 rooms all with original conservation doors with glass panels that look out on to the lush park or cityscape. Just a 10 minute walk to the popular Clarke Quay area for drinks and food and a five minute hop to shopping onOrchard Road the hotel is in a perfect place to visit Singapore.

Nice touches:
-Free Wireless to keep on contact at home and tweet pictures of the bath tub
-Cocktails from 6-8pm – what is not to like about that?
-The Zepplin Mini to charge your iPhone
- Period Patio doors that open out on to lush green palm trees

The details: Hotel For Canning, hfcsingapore.com, +65 6559 6770
11 Canning Walk, Singapore 178881

OASIA HOTEL

One of Singapore’s newest hotels (officially opened in October 2011) OASIA is a glass tower with contemporary styled rooms and an impressively high-ceilinged foyer with beautiful raw wood features. Offering an awesome vista of Singapore’s landscape the hotel teeters happily between business and pleasure clients and offers an impressive list of facilities.

The hotel sits in the Novena District and just outside the hustle and bustle of the city (but only 2 short MRT stops away Orchard Road shopping area) and has the feel of a much more intimate hotel than its 428 rooms might suggest.

One of the jewels in Oasia’s crown has to be the 22nd Floor ‘Living Room’. Open to Oasia Club guests you’ll get to swim in one of Singapore’s highest hotel views with stunning views of the skyline or relax in the Jacuzzi. There are sun loungers if you need some R&R from the city and complimentary cocktails and canapes are served up by the friendly and helpful staff from 6pm to 8pm.

The unfussy rooms are inspired by ‘natural elements’ and give full use of natural light to compliment the wood flooring and furnishings.

Nice touches:
-The use of natural materials throughout the hotel
-The gorgeous Living Room pool
-Using the complimentary WiFi while sipping cocktails
-The fab views – especially in a thunderstorm

The details: Oasia Hotel Singapore, 8 Sinaran Drive, Singapore 307470, Tel: +65 6664 0333
http://www.oasiahotel.com

Born in 1893, Miro’s closeness to his homelands gives a unparalleled insight into his surroundings and Spanish history. Through sophisticated symbolism and Surrealism he’s able to communicate subtle political messages that gave Catalan people a voice in some of the most turbulent of times.

Always for the people, Miro believed that art should not be exclusive. So don’t be surprised when arriving at Barcelona airport, you’ll immediately find his 1970 mural in signature bright ceramic pieces and bold scale at terminal 2.

It’s touches like this, and so much more, that make him one of the most important artists of the Twentieth Century. His unique imagination and boundless inventiveness teamed with a lifelong devotion to his craft cement his name in history.

Described by Andre Breton, the Surrealist leader, as ‘the most Surrealist of us all’, The Ladder of Escape is a ladder of a spectacular artist’s evolution. Indeed Surreal. But also naïve, abstract and at times cubist.

Before you visit his main exhibition, take time to view his towering sculpture in the Parc Miró, titled ‘Woman and Bird‘, a short taxi ride from the city centre. This 22 metre high mosaic sculpture made in 1982 pays homage to Antoni Gaudí, another of the region’s famed artists.

From here head towards Park Montjuïc where the Foundation of Joan Miro museum is situated and also near the site Miro was buried aged 90, in 1983.

On entering the museum, you’re greeted with a permanent Miro fixture cute enough to give Sanrio a run for its money. Inspired by nature a statue with childlike sentiments embraces visitors and receives guests in the most loveable fashion.

Then there’s a day to be spent pouring over 170 works – set in 18 different rooms – including paintings, sculptures and works on paper, drawn from public and private collections around the world.

Afterwards, head back to the centre of Barcelona along La Rambla where you’ll find ‘Mosaic del Pla de L’0s‘, a circular mosaic paved into the road, restored to it’s full primary colour glory and greeting visitors to the city cheerfully.

Next just a short walk north on La Rambla, and forth left onto Tallers, is the Boadas cocktail bar. Here you can have a special Miro cocktail to end the day, complete with cherry. Looking at the shiny red fruit in the triangle cocktail glass you can’t help but see some of that Miro magic which you’ll find lovingly etched into Catalan streets, hearts and culture too.

Joan Miro: The Ladder of Escape is on until 18 March 2012, before touring the National Gallery of Art, Washington where it’ll be seen until May 2012. Admission is 10 Euros. For more information visit www.fundaciomiro-bcn.org. Team Fused flew with easyJet from Luton to Barcelona from around £60 return per person. Visit www.easyJet.com to book.

Words: Erica Crompton

As your face turns red and you stutter through a lame answer, you find yourself cursing Amsterdam’s sexual lenience and wishing you had chosen somewhere a little less touristy for your family holiday. So thank God for Maastricht, a city where I could escape from the ‘Big Mamma’s’, old men dressed up as babies knocking on poor unsuspecting hookers’ windows, the smell of desperation lingering around every stag party stumbling through the red light district and most importantly, my parent’s inquisitiveness.

Maastricht is one of Netherlands’s oldest cities. Nestled in between the Belgium and German borders and approximately two hours south of Amsterdam, it is a convenient and idyllic city to visit. Filled with stone cobbled streets, beautiful statues and the sound of bicycle bells ringing through the air, this working town does not to conform to the needs of the masses but to its local and international student community.

The Hotel

The TownHouse Hotel is an exquisite boutique hotel which offers four star service at three star prices. Stepping into their funky bedrooms, you immediately feel at home; each room is equipped with a flat screen TV, a safe and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with a shower and bath combo. Each room is decorated slightly differently, giving your room the personal, unique touch; stencils depicting various items of clothing are scattered across the walls, lamps of various shapes and sizes emit a warm glow and a personalised hand written note welcomes you to the hotel.

A large continental and English breakfast is provided in the large open space breakfast room, which also triples as the hotel’s well-stocked bar and lobby. All of the staff are extremely friendly and helpful and should you need to borrow a lap top or use the hotel’s Wi-Fi or gym facilities, these facilities are complementary of the hotel. Should you need parking, the hotel offers a secure garage service at €22.00 per day.

Walking through the town

Once you have arrived in Maastricht, there is very little need for a car as everything worth seeing is within walking distance or alternatively you can hire bicycles to fit in with the locals. Of Maastricht’s many squares, the main Stadhuis square is possible the most exciting as you can wander around the markets and sample the local produce. Visit the old and stunning 10th century Churches, gaze at the gothic towers and stare, somewhat bemused, at the old and new statues that are scattered throughout the town.

The city, probably most famously known amongst our generation for the signing of the European treaty which established the Euro, is steeped in rich history, all of which is evident as you walk through the town. Modern architecture mingles with the old, as the modern town stretches past the old city walls, still evident and in use today.

Things to do

As well as the numerous cinemas, theatres and museums on offer, time your visit to Maastricht with one of their popular fairs, festivals, street parties and performances. The city is famous for its many carnivals which lead up to Easter, as well as the art, jazz, tango or food festivals which often bring the city to a standstill.

Food

The squares are full of bustling restaurants, all of which offer some local cuisine such as soups, meatballs or stews. However, Indonesian food is highly popular in the Netherlands due to its colonial history and I sampled mouth-watering noodles, rice, chicken and pork at Gadjah Mas – Indonesian restaurant on Rechstraat 42. If you like exotic food, this restaurant is well worth a visit.

Like Amsterdam, various cafes also offer the ‘local’ weed cuisine, should you wish to dally in it before returning to the UK. Ask to see a menu, choose wisely and enjoy!

Drinking

During the day, drink Al Fresco in one of the bars overlooking the Maas river, sample the local Dutch beer and watch the locals pass by, jabbering away in a mixture of Dutch, French, English and German. When the light starts to fade, head to ‘Take One’, a highly popular and entertaining bar where the available beers are always changing and the quantity of edible peanuts quickly diminishes. Although there are not as many clubs as Amsterdam, there are more than enough bars (most open until 2am) to keep you entertained and intoxicated until the early hours of the morning.

Unlike Amsterdam, Maastricht does not pander to the tourism industry and if you want to visit an authentic Dutch city, I highly recommend a visit to this idyllic town. Or just visit Amsterdam without your parents. That would work too.

Words and images: Danann Swanton

Kilmackillogue, Kerry

My first stop was Kilmackillogue, a tiny fishing village along the Beara Peninsula in Kerry. Sea legs still firmly attached to my torso thanks to a ferry crossing and a long drive from Dublin, I hobbled out of my car and surveyed the wonder that surrounded me. The view was beautiful; rugged mountains lined the horizon whilst the calm, deep blue sea lapped against the old stone walls of the harbour. It was as though I had staggered onto the set of the ‘Discover Ireland.com’ advert; whilst I watched the setting sun turn the mountains into a deep shade of red, I started to hum the pipes, drums and fiddles of the advert’s theme tune. I half expected to see Michael Flatley hopping and flailing around in front of me.

Kilmackillogue consists of a number of holiday homes, farms and most importantly, one pub, which is also the village’s B&B. Situated on the harbour (and conveniently for me, staggering distance from my accommodation), this little old fashioned haven with its constant stream of customers is the perfect watering hole after a day of sailing, boating, diving, hill walking, cycling or horse riding (information about these activities is available within the pub). Teddy O’Sullivan’s pub provides seating on the pier where one can relax with a pint (Guinness if you want to fit in, Cider for wimps like me who just cannot take it) and watch the local fishermen bring in their daily catch. When the need arises for the alcohol to be soaked up with food, the pub sells mussels and salmon from the local fishermen’s catch as well as normal pub food.

Baltimore, West Cork

After enjoying a few days of exploring the Beara Peninsula, walking amongst the historical Stone Circle and attempting kayaking (rat infested Birmingham canals cannot prepare you for the open sea) it was time to move on to my favourite place – Baltimore in West Cork. Driving from Kerry to Cork via the mountain road known as the Healy Pass is one exciting experience; the Healy Pass is 334 meters above sea level and takes you through two of the highest mountain peaks in the area. Once you reach the top, it is well worth parking in one of the viewpoints and taking the opportunity to look at the rugged landscape.

Baltimore has a younger and busier atmosphere and, like Kilmackillogue comes alive with tourists during the summer months.  This fishing village, as well as hosting its own sailing schools, diving schools and regattas, has a number of ferries which allow you to explore the fuchsia filled surrounding islands. Visit Cape Clear in the first weekend of September for the annual Storytelling festival, Sherkin Island to see the old, historical ruins and finish exploring the island with a well-earned drink at the Jolly Roger pub overlooking Baltimore harbour.

Cross Roaring Water Bay to visit the unoccupied smaller islands with old crumbling houses on them, remnants of the days when these islands used to have communities living on them but are now homes to cattle. When you have had your fill of the smaller islands, hop onto the Baltimore Sea Safari and go out to open sea to visit the whale, dolphin, seal and basking shark filled waters.

If you wish to stay on shore, you can visit Baltimore’s 17th century castle, ‘Dún na Séad’ (meaning Fort of the Jewels) or take a walk along the cliff tops to Baltimore’s famous ‘Beacon’. If you wish to party at night (taxis are available from Baltimore) or just spend the day shopping, Skibbereen, the closest town, is merely a 20 minute drive away.

When you have finished having your fun at sea, end your day watching the breath taking sunset at one of the pubs overlooking the harbour- either Bushes Bar (my personal favourite, sample their local mussels or homemade soup) or Jacob’s bar (which is convenient if you wish to buy a larger meals such as pizza and steak).

If you decide to visit Baltimore, sit at the barrel tables outside Bushes Bar and, as the sun goes over the islands, relax with the drink of your choice and smile. You are in my happy place. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

A few tips to discover Ireland:

The best places to visit outside of the main cities are easiest to find by car. If you are over 25, you will be able to rent a car should you choose to fly to any of the major airports. If you are under 25, you will not be able to rent a car or will have to pay an outrageous under 25 fee which is often makes renting not worth it. If this is the case, you can book a car ferry to Dun Laoghaire or Rosslare, Wexford. Arm yourself with a good sat nav, bikes should you wish to explore the countryside this way, water proofs should you wish to hop onto the ferries and a good pair of walking shoes. You are now ready to explore.

Be a bit daring- there are many small villages along the South West coast which are as beautiful as Baltimore and Kilmackillogue. Deviate from the map once in a while. Who knows what you might find.

During high season, Baltimore’s numerous holiday homes and B&Bs tend to fill quickly. Book accommodation in advance for both Kilmackillogue and Baltimore to avoid disappointment.

Words and Images: Danann Swanton

As my flip-flop-wearing feet were threatened by imminent trench foot, the rain poured down on my un-hooded head. In a lame attempt to save my beloved brand new digital camera from death-by-drowning, I smuggled it under my pitifully light cardigan. As I did so, I suddenly panicked in case someone thought I was trying to hide what could be mistaken for stolen Jessop goods, then remembered I was not in Birmingham anymore, looting had not occurred in civilised Edinburgh and people would just assume I was innocently protecting my piece of technology from the rain.

Camera partially hidden and unnecessary nerves calmed, I observed Edinburgh’s High Street. Despite the rain, the puddled streets were filled with street performers, choirs, dancers, actors, walking billboards and discarded leaflets. I had arrived at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the most famous festival for budding and well-known artists alike.

The atmosphere was palpable; excitement and talent tinged with slight desperation. When street performers were not attempting to wow you by juggling fire in the hope of spare change, a performer of some sort was selling their talent to you, their desire to get one more body in their audience etched across their faces.

Walking down the streets, I was bombarded with leaflets for this or demonstrations for that. Eventually the excitement of being handed pieces of paper wore off and each new performer or sales person became as annoying as the street sellers you find in the gutter in resorts, who try to sell you yet another bloody pair of cheap, unnecessary sunglasses or unwanted fake handbags.

So I have come up with a plan for you – How to cope on the streets of Edinburgh before and during the Fringe whilst having a little fun.

Number 1: If you wish to attend the Fringe next year, book accommodation now as you will not be able to find anything last minute. Try to get hotels as central as possible for convenience as the most popular and famous shows are often on late at night.

Number 2: Once you know where and when you are staying, organise transport. Like the accommodation, as August approaches, availability is unlikely whilst any spare tickets may cost a fortune. Book as soon as possible to get cheap deals.

Number 3: Decide on a genre you would like to see. Whether it is cabaret, children’s shows, comedy, dance and physical theatre, exhibitions or musicals, there is something for everyone.

Number 4: Surf the official Edinburgh Fringe website to find out their recommendations. If you wish to see some of the big acts, buy your tickets online well in advance as these tend to sell out quickly. For the smaller, less well-known shows, take note of where they are and wait until the day you to wish to see them before purchasing your tickets. Last minute deals (such as 2-for-1) are often done to increase numbers so don’t be stung by being too organised.

Number 5: Set a budget. Although there are some free performances, depending on when you attend the Fringe, tickets can vary from £4.00 to just under £20.00. If a less well known show exceeds your budget, try to haggle to see if there are any available deals.

Number 6: Get involved with the atmosphere by wondering down the central streets and allow yourself to be captivated by the different talents. When approached with yet another performer, get ‘Dragons Den’ like and demand a good pitch. If they want you there, make them prove themselves to you; the better the pitch, usually the better the show.

(Admittedly, there were times when I let this power get to my head. When an actor told me he would allow me to slap him at the end of his comedy performance if I didn’t laugh, I made him write it on his leaflet, as though it was some sort of contract. Intrigued, I attended his performance and all physical violence was put on hold as I found myself roaring with laughter. Lucky git.)

Number 7: Keep an open mind. Even if you only wish to see theatre, allow yourself to be wooed by the performances on the street and try new genres. I attended ‘The Oxford Gargoyles’, a Jazz a Cappella group and much to my surprise, found it highly entertaining. My favourite show was ‘Jet Set Go!’, a musical comedy which I had reluctantly attended and ended up singing their hysterical songs in appalling harmony with my friends all the way home.

Number 8: Keep your eyes peeled; when speaking to Quattro Formaggio and 2Faced Dance, it became apparent that the Fringe is a platform for all new talent. Edinburgh is the place-to-be for performers during August as talent scouts for all the best television stations are on the look-out for new, exciting acts. Who knows, you may have seen the future Miranda or Michael McIntyre, both of whom performed at the Fringe many times before they were spotted and became the household names they are today.

Number 9: Finally, have an amazing time and enjoy everything you see. Even the really appalling shows (I spent ten pounds and lost an hour of my life in one such show) become a funny story with friends. Soak up the culture and revel in the talent. Most importantly, do not forget those wellies as it is a British festival. It is bound to rain!

Words and pictures: Dannan Swanton

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most beautiful and vibrant cities famous for it’s tolerance and picturesque canals. It is also overflowing with achingly trendy and stylish hangouts, subcultures and creative types and… 2 Unlimited, but the less said about them the better.

Museums, art galleries, bike rides and uber-stylish eateries are a far cry from stag weekends, sex shows and spliffs and at just under an hours flight from Birmingham its the perfect weekend getaway. With 48-hours to explore here are our picks of the must sees and do’s of the Dam.

Get on your bike

By renting a bike you can experience the city like a local. The bicycle is undoubtedly the most practical means of transportation in Amsterdam and the best way to see the city.

The MacBike Shop is ideally situated opposite Amsterdam Central Station where its bright red bikes make it apparent to everyone that you are a novice cycling tourist. On the plus side also means it is easier for the locals to know well in advantage to get the heck out of your way – especially when navigating past the narrow footpaths near the canals.

Get a room

The Mint Hotel is Amsterdam’s newest kid on the block offering distinctive design inside and out and is conveniently located in the centre and only a few short minutes walk from Central Station. The rooms ooze stylish-minimalism with splashes of colour offered through the soft furnishings. There’s a super-sexy imac in every room that channels TV, radio and free internet access.

If that’s not enough the hotel also offers the best cocktails and views of the city in it’s stylish rooftop bar; Skylounge (pictured above).

Eat

Brasserie Harkema is a hip and updated version of the classic Parisian brasserie with a contemporary modern edge. The decor and menu are both minimally and excellently executed with an open kitchen, open-plan dining and cosmopolitan atmosphere all going together to offer a casual-dining loft experience. A large wine selection is displayed on shelves along one wall from floor to ceiling while Paul Smith-esque signature stripes are a statement piece opposite.

Supperclub: If you you prefer a bit of performance art with your food then this is the place for you. My usual version of ’supper’ is a bit of marmite on toast and a 2 finger Kit-Kat, but this places takes it into the realms of “art”.

Image by Kim vd Leden

On arrival you’re asked to wait in the dark, leather clad S&M styled bar, before you embark upstairs to an uber-modernist white room with psychedelic backdrops. DJ’s spin ambient house music while performance artists play instruments to accompany the sounds all while you relax on beds and eat your 5-course surprise tasting menu (the night we went it had an oriental influence). If it all sounds a bit achingly trendy and Nathan Barley-esque then prepare to be surprised as it’s completely unpretentious and great fun!

The pace picks up when the plates are washed and the BPM’s shift up a couple of notches giving you the opportunity to burn off the calories on the dancefloor.

Wine Time

The Dylan: Try High Wine at one of the World’s original boutique hotels. Situated in a 17th Century landmark building on the ‘Keizersgracht’ canal, in the heart of the trendy ‘nine streets’ district High Wine at The Dylan offers excellent wine and food pairing in luxurious surroundings. Sample four wines with accompanying amuse style bites (small plates) of food all in the opulent Michelin awarded restaurant Vinkeles. Ceasar Salad with King Prawn, Duck breast with Spring beans and rasperrys with processco and fresh mint is a hint of what to expect.

If you want to push the boat out – literally – then you can step out of Vinkeles and on to a completely renovated 19th century saloon vessel called ‘The Muse’ for a gastro evening on the water. €925 gets you a The Muse and a skipper for four hours. The 6 course menu with accompanying wines is an additional €225 per person which also includes the service of the chef and Maitre-D along with a glass of champagne – perfect luxury!

Shop

Droog (Staalstraat 7a/b, Amsterdam, 1011 JJ)

With a selection of no-nonsense conceptual design, lighting, furniture and studio-work projects that have been extensively published in interior and style magazines and collected by museums all over the world Droog is the place to go to fit out the most stylish canalside warehouse apartment.

Get A History Lesson

Het Grachtenhuis (The Canal House) covers 400 years of the cities canal history in 40 minutes. A fascinating and fun multi-media experience all housed in a beautiful 17th century canal house (of course). The perfect introduction to the fascinating cityscape of the Netherlands capital city and perfect to whet your appetite before you embark on a trip along one of its many many canals.

The scaled model of the city comes alive via digitally enhanced projections and is soundtracked through your own personal headset.

One of the cities newest attractions where history and new technology collide to make for a quick but informative history lesson. Space is compact so it’s advised to buy your ticket in advance. Stichting Het Grachtenhuis, Herengracht 386, 1016 CJ Amsterdam

How to get there

Fused travelled with bmibaby and the Netherlands Tourist Board to Amsterdam.

The Mint Hotel is located on the river front next to the Central Station and within easy reach of a host of attractions.  Rooms start from €199 per night.  http://www.minthotel.com/our-hotels/amsterdam

bmibaby, flies direct from Birmingham Airport to Amsterdam up to thirteen times a week. Fares start from just £19.99 one way including all taxes.  For the lowest fares and to book a flight, visit www.bmibaby.com.

High Wine is served every day between 3pm and 7pm at the Dylan Hotel and costs 39.50 Euros per person (£35.49 per person).  To make a reservation, call +31(0)20 530 2010 or visit www.dylanamsterdam.com

For more information about Amsterdam please visit www.Holland.com

Chocolate Puma, are one of Holland’s biggest House music producers. The duo are currently celebrating their 20 year anniversary so who better to ask for the lowdown on all things Dutch?

What makes been based in Amsterdam special?
First of all it’s a special city. It’s small, but at the same time it has all the ingredients of a metropole. At the same time people in Amsterdam are not easy to please when it comes to music or entertainment. We as artists really have to work hard and prove ourselves.

What’s a typical day like for you?
Well, there’s three kinds of days for us:
1. Traveling, little sleep and playing in clubs or at festivals.
2. Being in the studio.
3. Having quality time with our loved ones.

Where are your favourite places can we go to hear Chocolate Puma play?
We just played at Ushuaia in Ibiza and that place is just insane. We love to play in Portugal, and the Defected In The House parties are not bad either.

Do you consider yourselves to be a part of any particular “scene”?
We never felt we were part of any scene, guess we’re always doing our own thing and get inspiration from all kinds of “scenes”.

How would you sum up life in Amsterdam?
Laid-back and hectic at the same time.

About Amsterdam

Can you tell us your fave places to…

Go out clubbing: Paradiso

Go for food: De Bakkerswinkel for a typical Dutch lunch

Fave Coffee Shop: We don’t drink coffee

Meet with friends: Westerpark (a district of Amsterdam)

Show off to visitors: Rent a bike and cycle around the old city. We’ve got lots of stories to tell about the history of Amsterdam.

Get drinks: Go to the Zeedijk and have a beer in one of the old bars, like De Ooievaar or De Aep.

See an exhibition: FOAM always has interesting exhibitions. Right now Anton Corbijn is doing one.

Go shopping: Go to the 9 straatjes, these are 9 streets in the canal area with cool little shops.

Chocolate Puma’s new album ‘House Masters‘ featuring a collection of their best original productions and remixes is out now on Defected.

See out Hip Trips AMSTERDAM piece for details on how to get there with bmibaby.

Making life for festival fans that little bit easier NoMud.com helps you book your ticket, flight (or you can do this separately) and accommodation at a package price to some of Europe’s hottest (literally) festivals.

Check out the current deals on NoMud.com:

Spirit of Burgas, Bulgaria
12 – 14 August 2011
This festival combines great headliners, amazing weather and unbelievable value – it’s a must for your 2011 to-do list! Enjoy amazing nights of live music and long days soaking up the sun. This year, Spirit of Burgas will see over 100 acts perform across 5 different stages on the beautiful city beach in Burgas.
7 night packages including ticket, accommodation, flights and transfers start from £389pp

Twice as Nice, Ibiza
31 August – 7 September 2011
Join the urban super brand TwiceasNice for a week of sexy and stylish parties as they bring the hottest urban music to the clubbing heaven of Ibiza.
7 night packages including ticket, accommodation, flights and transfers start from £399pp

Sun Beatz, Ibiza
7 – 14 September 2011
Sunbeatz is a weeklong festival of hardcore partying at all of Ibiza’s top clubs including Es Paradis, Eden and Kanya. Over 50 artists are playing at this epic drum and bass spectacular.
7 night packages including ticket, accommodation, flights and transfers start from £379pp

I had this ridiculous notion at a young age that one should write a list of things to do before one died. (I was going through a morose, philosophical stage.) As well as learn a foreign language (crossed off the list the moment I learnt to swear vehemently in French) and take time out of each day to stare at the clouds (morose, philosophical and an emo), I had scrawled in barely legible handwriting ‘Go to Glastonbury.’ Standing in the middle of what could only be described as a bog, I cursed that Godforsaken list which, eleven years later, I still felt compelled to follow.

‘Wellie Henge’, a sculpture marking the sacrifices the fallen rubber comrades had made was constructed in the middle of a mud pond, as a reminder and a warning to all those trudging through the conditions to not buy cheap footwear.

The fields of Glastonbury resembled the Somme. Cheap wellies which had leaked or had been abandoned in an attempt to save their owner’s foot from being lost to the sticky mud were deserted as far as the eye could see. ‘Wellie Henge’, a sculpture marking the sacrifices the fallen rubber comrades had made was constructed in the middle of a mud pond, as a reminder and a warning to all those trudging through the conditions to not buy cheap footwear. On the edges of the camping grounds, single-skinned tents were cast aside after one night of downpour as their occupants feared they may drown if they continued to stay in their leaking tents. Bodies, hidden beneath rain macs bought from a near-by stall, moved in groups in-between stages bracing against the wind and rain in an attempt to keep warm.

Image supplied by www.bluesky-world.com, copyright Blom UK.

Watching the quagmire (no giggidy, just supressed sobs) that was Glastonbury unfold, I started thinking about festival ‘must haves’ and what really gets you through- what can potentially be- camping torture. Yes, everyone knows that you need tents and wellies, but how can you be sure that your festival fun will not be affected by the temperamental British weather?

Double-lined tents are imperative; I know jelly baby and cow print tents look cool but the moment the rain starts, that tent will be leaking more than BP’s oil pipe. Get decent wellies; one of the top sellers at Glastonbury this year was anti-fungal cream for all the damp, suffering feet. Delightful. Get a decent sleeping bag and ventilation mats or a blow-up mattress; you lose body heat through the ground and there is nothing more miserable than having your cosy warm beer jacket stolen from you.

Toilet paper is gold dust; bring enough of it and who knows what you can barter it for.

Save your pennies by bringing your own alcohol but not in glass bottles; decant anything banned by the particular festival you are attending to avoid it being confiscated (check out your festival website for more details). Toothpaste, baby wipes and deodorant, are the essentials; do not go anywhere without these bad boys as five days can be a long time to go without showering or normal hygiene. Toilet paper is gold dust; bring enough of it and who knows what you can barter it for. Bring plenty of money (and keep it well hidden); Glastonbury provided enough food stalls for every diet and although many festivals will just have the standard burger vans, it will still beat lugging hundreds of pot noodles, stoves and kettles through your campsite. Bring a few breakfast bars to give you enough energy to drag yourself from your tent to the closest breakfast bar and then spoil yourself with the catering provided. Leave all valuables at home; swap your iPhone/iPod for your old Nokia (playing snake again will be a luxury) and cassette player as, unfortunately, crime can happen so do not be a victim.

Most importantly, choose the group you festival with wisely. These are the people who will pull your wellie out of the mud for you after you accidentally got your boot stuck and the only way to salvage the situation was to leave it behind and continue to walk through the squelch with one wellie on and a ski sock (with a hole in may I add). These are the people who, when the weather turns glorious (which it will- it is a condition of all festivals. Tease us for a few days with shoddy storms, then bring out the rays), they will love you despite the five day smell which lingers around you (no amount of baby wipes or deodorant can properly hide the smell). These are the people who will justify wearing ski gear, a cow boy hat and bright red lipstick whilst covered in muck by naming the look ‘festival chic’. These are the people who will escort you to the portaloos, despite the stench, just because you are too scared to face the grubbiness alone and cannot pee behind a bush due to stage fright.

Finally, enjoy it; you are living life on the edge, you are working on that list of things to do. Sure, there are people out there who do amazingly dangerous things such as wrestle with wild animals, (do not think of Steve Irwin as he is not the best example, we all know how that turned out.) But sod them. Ladies and gents, if you make it through Mudbury or similar festivals and survive, you are made of tough stuff. You are the true heroes. Campers, I salute you!

Words: Danann Swanton