Run to see the world: it’s a mantra I’ve lived by for some years now. Marathons in cities, across deserts, over mountain ranges and along coastlines have been some of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. So upon hearing about a “temple run” through the famous ruins at Angkor, in Cambodia – exploring the 1,000‑ year‑old capital of the Khmer empire not by tuk-tuk, but on foot, at speed – I was instantly intrigued. My weekend challenge: a shortish but rough trail run of 15km in a remote area of “lost” temples on Saturday afternoon, followed on Sunday by a near-full-length dawn marathon run of 40km through the temples of one the world’s largest religious monuments: Angkor Wat – occupying over 400 acres, and so deeply woven into Cambodia’s national identity that it’s depicted on the national flag. Some 2.5 million people visit these temples each year; but only a … [Read more...] about Running tours of Cambodia’s ancient temples
Earnest ice cream
Bristol’s best restaurants according to Conde Nast
A raft of fantastic new openings and a collaborative approach among restaurateurs has seen Bristol's food scene flourish in recent years. National food critics have heaped praise onto its culinary offering and a handful of the UK's very finest restaurants are found here, as well as dozens of others that are well worth visiting. This means knowing where to go for your next meal out can be tricky, but fortunately help is at hand. If you're looking for some inspiration, Conde Nast Traveller has compiled a list of the 13 best restaurants in this fine city. Along with the slightly more predictable inclusions there'a also a handful of more left-field recommendations, as well as cafés, bakeries and supper clubs. Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering trip around the city. 1. Hart's Bakery Address: 35 Lower Approach Road, Bristol BS1 6QS Conde Nast says: "First things first: when you arrive into Temple Meads, look for the steps underneath the railway arches that lead you to Hart’s … [Read more...] about Bristol’s best restaurants according to Conde Nast
The life of Brian honoured: How Collyhurst is thanking our footy legend Kidd
(Gallery needs publishing) He's played for, and coached, both halves of Manchester's football divide. That rivalry will be put to one side as the community where Brian Kidd honed his talents as a schoolboy comes together to honour his life and lasting contribution to the area. A park and children's play area in Collyhurst will be named after the European Cup winner at a ceremony ahead of his 70th birthday, the M.E.N. can reveal. The site - next to St George's Community Centre on Bothwell Road - is opposite the house where Brian was brought up on Rome Road. The tribute continues a tradition of Collyhurst honouring its own. Like England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles, Brian attended St Patrick's Primary School and the tribute to him follows a road being named after Stiles in 2016. Another street in Collyhurst has been named in honour of Brian Hughes, who founded the Collyhurst Lads Club in 1964, for his lifetime of dedication to boxing and his contribution to the local community. A plaque … [Read more...] about The life of Brian honoured: How Collyhurst is thanking our footy legend Kidd
Dick Dale, surf guitar king, dies at 81
Dick Dale, the 'King of the Surf Guitar' who formulated the sound and attack of the Southern California-bred instrumental style in the early 1960s, has died. He was 81.In his The Illustrated Discography of Surf Music, writer and latter-day surf guitarist John Blair described the genesis of Dale's distinctive and unprecedented sound."He attempted to musically reproduce the feeling he had while surfing, and the result of this somewhat nebulous and certainly subjective approach was the surfing music genre," Blair wrote."The feeling was one of vibration and pulsification, which he produced by a heavy staccato sound on the low-key strings of his guitar accompanied by a heavy thunder-like beat."Southpaw player Dale acknowledged the impact of guitar and amplifier manufacturer Leo Fender and his designer Freddie Tavares' equipment on his sound.Fender built the first left-handed edition of his solid-body Stratocaster model guitar to Dale's specifications.The musician, who had codified his … [Read more...] about Dick Dale, surf guitar king, dies at 81
Percy proves he’s a prize pooch for brave Horsham schoolgirl
A brave schoolgirl who has undergone harrowing treatment for cancer is celebrating today with her best friend - her pet dog Percy. Fifteeen-year-old Lauren Ashby and Cockerpoo Percy took part in the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, this week ... and came away with a string of prizes.And the pair are delighted. “Percy enjoyed it as much as I did,” said Lauren, a pupil at Horsham’s Millais school. “When we came out of the ring he had some dog ice-cream.”Proud mum Dominique added: “They did brilliantly. In the three classes they had qualified for, they achieved two second places - one in Graduate Agility and one in Medium Crossbreed Of The Year - and a fifth place in ABC Agility. The categories are quite large and were very tough.”Lauren - who is credited with having ‘an amazing bond’ with Percy - first started training with her beloved pet just before her devastating diagnosis with Hodgkins Lymphoma two years ago. She … [Read more...] about Percy proves he’s a prize pooch for brave Horsham schoolgirl