Travel Lightbulb

 Before I visited Stockholm, I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew it the capital of Sweden; I knew it was spread across fourteen islands in the south-east of the country - but that was about it. When I got there, I was stunned by its beauty and the whole vibe of the place. The fact that this beautiful city is built on islands, means there are lots of beautiful bridges connecting them all - in fact there are 57 bridges! Another thing that strikes you as a visitor is how clean the city is, despite the streets bustling with people in the summer months. I've never seen so many people just sitting around enjoying some food and a glass or two of wine! Speaking of food, there's one thing you must try when in Stockholm - the traditional Swedish dish of meatballs, and brown cream sauce. They are served with lingonberries (similar in taste to cranberries), which compliment the dish beautifully.  Top tip: Make sure you spend time wandering the streets of Gamla S...

Of all the travel photos I have featured on my blog, I have to say that this is the first one that I think should actually be the subject of a caption competition! I saw these cows on a lovely walk in Cheshire one Sunday afternoon - is it just me, or does the one on the right look like it's deep in conversation with the other one?  This isn't an actual competition, but if you feel like leaving a comment just for fun, then please feel free! If you have a travel photo you'd like to contribute to my blog, please get in touch via my contact page.

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in England, and one of my favourite places in the area is Coniston Water. At five miles long, with a maximum depth of 184 feet, it is the third largest of the lakes. It is also where Donald Campbell attempted to break the World Water Speed Record in 1966/67. It provided an important fish source for the monks of Furness Abbey, who owned the lake in the 13th and 14th centuries, and since then it has been used to transport slate and ore from the mines in the valley above Coniston Village. There are breathtaking views to be had around here - especially when you're on the water itself. There are various ways to do just that - an elegant Victorian Steam Yacht Gondola sails between March and November. You can also hire your own boat, whether it be a motor boat, canoe, or sailing boat. My own personal favourite way to experience the Lake is in a rowing boat.  My top tip - if you're a lady, make sure you have a...

Today's photo was taken in Vila do Bispo, in the Western Algarve. I was wandering around the town, and came across the stunning restored windmill - which I'm sure you'll agree looks amazing against the deep blue sky. The town itself has a very interesting claim to fame.  In 1543 a man from the village called Ferñao Mendes Pinto was one of the first European to land in Japan. In 1992, a new square was built on the outskirts of the town to celebrate its twinning with the island he visited - and that is how 'Praça de Tanegashima' came to be! If you have a photo that has a story behind it, or just a cool travel photo you're willing to donate, then get in touch - details of how to do that are on the contact page of my blog. Thanks!

I stumbled upon an online review of a restaurant called 'Made in Belfast', and made a point of visiting it on a recent trip there. Wow - this place is fantastic! The decor is eclectic, with mismatching chairs, and a shabby chic style - but it really works, and gives the place an informal, but quirky feel about it. The food is simply stunning. I had the dish pictured above - beetroot and feta risotto. I wasn't sure what to expect with the vivid pinky colour of the beetroot, but I was secretly hoping it would be pink, and I wasn't disappointed! The flavours were fantastic, and the portion was HUGE! My dining partner had the Moroccan lamb, and it was so tender, it just fell to pieces with his fork. He also thought the flavours were delicious, and I agreed when I had a little taste of his dish! If you're looking for somewhere to eat in Belfast city centre, then I can't recommend this place highly enough. It's cool without trying to...

Today's photo, which comes courtesy of Tanya Davie, is one of my favourite contributions to date. It's the sort of photo that takes your mind a moment to ask itself "Am I really seeing this?". You are indeed seeing a giant fork in the middle of a lake! The lake in question is Lake Geneva, and the fork has become an emblem for the town of Vevey. It's made of stainless steel, and is 8m high and 1.3m wide! It was designed by Swiss sculptor Jean-Pierre Zaugg, and was embedded in the lake in 1995. It was initially intended to stay there for a year, but has become a permanent fixture - and I love it!  Tanya, thanks so much for the photo contribution - it's certainly one of the more unusual shots to be featured on Travel Lightbulb!  If you have a photo you'd like to contribute, I'd love to hear from you - details of how to get in touch are on my contact page.

At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking the structure I'm featuring today is a roller-coaster.....but it's not! It is, in fact, a wooden structure called Metropol Parasol in the old quarter of Seville. It has totally revitalised the Plaza de la Encarnación, and contains a market, shops, and a podium for concerts and events. The parasol (locally nick-named 'The Mushroom' because of its shape) was completed in 2011, and is said to be the largest wooden structure in the world, and the world's biggest building to be held together by glue - quite a scary thought when you're at the top! Speaking of the top, the views from the upper level are sensational and well worth the €1.60 fee to get there. You can see right across the whole of Seville, and beyond, and there are signs to tell you about the many interesting buildings that you can see along the way. The market is worth a wander, and below ground there are impressive Roman ru...

Today's photo was kindly donated by Naomi Alyssa, who also writes a travel blog. It was taken in one of her new favourite countries, Burma. Here's Naomi's tale: The photo is of the Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda in Mawlamyine/Moulmein. I got there one day for some sightseeing, and wound up witnessing an initiation ceremony for a group of novice monks. One of the families spotted me watched and invited me to join; by the time the ceremony had ended and we'd all eaten dinner, the sun was setting and had turned the pagoda a deep gold. It was such a gorgeous sight, and something you see often in Burma! Thanks Naomi - what a beautiful shot - I can almost feel the heat of the sun! If you want to read more about Naomi's travels, then visit her blog www.anywhere-but-home.com . If you'd like to contribute your own travel photo, then please get in touch - details of how to do just that are on my contact page.