Today is the 70th anniversary of the start of Operation Dynamo, better known as the Dunkirk evacuation and a monument in British cultural history, writes Tomas Mowlam.

Between 27th May and 4th June 1940 the Allies managed to evacuate 198,229 British and 139,997 French soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk, and avert a potential disaster.

By the 26th May the British Expeditionary Force and the French First Army were pinned into a corridor around Dunkirk by the German army. Taking heavy casualties, forced to abandon heavy equipment, and on half-rations things looked desperate; General Brooke even wrote in his diary “nothing but a miracle can save the BEF now”.

Solid British and French resistance and German decisions to invest captured ground rather than assault the vulnerable Allies gave vital breathing room, allowing the rescue to go ahead.

Hundreds of private vessels were employed to pull soldiers from the beaches; the little ships of Dunkirk with their shallow draft could get closer to shore and pull out soldiers, some of who had waited shoulder deep in water all day. On 31st May alone 68,014 men were rescued.

It can seem cliché now but the Dunkirk spirit is still a brilliant evocation of people doing great things in the most difficult of circumstances. It was a morale boost, a hopeful note in the chaos of the war, something worth remembering.

Image Credit: Wiki Commons

Tags: History by tmowlam
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This post is not for those with a lack of willpower; well, when it comes to shoes. Rosie Khdir struggles against her own shoe-buying addiction as she reveals Holland footwear gem, Shoebaloo.

When you think of Holland and shoes, a heavy wooden clog probably springs to mind. But no more. From now on when you think of the Netherland, you shall think of Shoebaloo!

Shoebaloo is shoe haven for anyone who appreciated exclusive brands like D&G, Prada, Dior and Jimmy Choo. Items almost hover in the windows of this futuristic shop and you feel more like you’ve entered a museum of luxury shoes, than a store.

It started out in the 70s as a small 30m² shop, situated in Jordaan the “hippy quarter” of Amsterdam and sold Spanish boots called Botas Camperos – very popular at the time I assure you.

A men’s shoe store at the Koningsplein followed, and then later a store at PC Hooftraat selling both men’s and women’s luxury footwear and a women’s store in Leidsestraat.

In 2005 a Shoebaloo store opened on the Cornelis Schuystraat which specialises in men’s and women’s bags and accessories. The most recent shop to open is the Flagship store on the Kruiskade in Rotterdam.

So if you are looking for a high end shopping experience with all your favourite big names, Shoebaloo is the place to go. To get there with ease, and to save more of your money for Shoebaloo purchases, P&O Ferries provides a great value service from Hull – Zeebrugge.

Image credit: tomcole

Tags: History, Lifestyle, Netherlands, P&O Ferries by Rosie Khdir
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In this day and age, where life is a constant run around, a nice relaxing holiday is always what the doctor orders to de-stress. Rosie Khdir unwinds in the Belgian town of Spa.

Spa is famously known as the Ville d’Eaux, meaning “the town of waters” due to its site at the hot healing springs. The spring were popular worldwide but it was during the 16th Century that a sort of tourism grew, and brought with it the likes of Christine of Sweden, Charles II of England, Peter the Great, Joseph II, Giacomo Meyerbeer and Victor Hugo.

This town may be small but it is steeped in history from back to when the Romans ruled Europe right up to the First World War, when it was occupied by the German Army. The town today shows its history through its architecture and quirky museums, such as the Museum of and Folklore and Musée de la Lain, which is concerned with the history of wool processing.

In Spa you will find bustling street markets, churches, the beautiful 19th Century Leopold II Gallery and of course “Les Thermes de Spa” (see image).

The spa was renovated recently and now has around 8600 square feet of hot swimming pools, with water temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can spend a few hours or a full day relaxing in the bells of water, geysers, bubbles seats and cannons that help you unwind and tone up. The water that comes from the “Clementine” spring is filled with natural minerals that are great for your skin and are thought to have powerful healing properties.

If you fancy putting a more racy spin on your holiday you can try your hand at the Casino of Spa, which is the oldest in the world, dating back to 1763. Spa is also home to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which hosts the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix every year.

To top it all off Spa will also host the finish of Stage 2 of the 2010 Tour de France on July 5th.

If you want to experience both the thrilling and relaxing attraction of Spa, you can get the Belgium easily with P&O Ferries. There is a Hull – Zeebrugge route, or alternatively via Dover to Calais from where it is just a short drive along the E40 to the Belgian border. Prices start at just £30 for a car and up to nine people.

Image credit: Belgapixel

Tags: Belgium, History, Lifestyle, P&O Ferries by Rosie Khdir
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Yes it’s that time of year again, when all the beautiful people of Hollywood grace the south coast of France. Rosie Khdir anticipates many wonderful films, elegant gowns and gleaming smiles at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Today marks the beginning of the 63rd Cannes Film Festival where films of every calibre, language and style are shown to an excited star studded audience.

Jean Cocteau once said of the event:

“The Festival is an apolitical no-man’s-land, a microcosm of what the world would be like if people could contact each other directly and speak the same language.”

This history of the festival dates back to September 1946, when it stood as the first international cultural event of the post-war period. The festival is a non-profit organization and is managed by a Board of Directors.

Every year a guest President of the Jury of selected and this year it is visionary cinematographer Tim Burton. He was chosen based on his innovative work in merging traditional acting and new technologies – for example in his recent hit Alice in Wonderland – and for his unique film signature.

Burton will be joined by Kate Beckinsale and Benicio Del Toro, who will help him decide the winner of the Palme d’Or, the prestigious top prize of the festival, out of a group of 18 films all the way from Hollywood to Thailand.

The film that will launch the event this year is Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe (sans tights). Do not fear all of you who aren’t lucky enough to have a ticket to the festival; Robin Hood comes to UK cinemas on Friday 14th May.

Other highly anticipated films – that unfortunately won’t grace cinema screen until a bit later in the year – include Wall Street – Money Never Sleep starring Michael Douglas, You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger directed by Woody Allen, Hanna starring Cate Blanchett and Biutiful starring Javier Bardem.

So if you fancy going to the south of France to soak up some rays and spot some celebs then P&O Ferries can help you get there: a crossing from Dover to Calais in a car with up to nine people starts from just £30.

Image credit: tangi_bertin

Tags: France, History, P&O Ferries by Rosie Khdir
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Nestled in the in the heart of the mysterious medieval Mont Saint Michel, lies La Mère Poulard. Rosie Khdir discovers the charming history and delicious gastronomy behind this famous French restaurant and hotel.

It was back in 1888, when Annette and Victor Poulard opened their inn at Mont Saint Michel. The Island had been closed to the world during the years of the French Revolution in 1789 when it stood as a prison.

Annette’s two loves, other than her loyal husband Victor of course, were cooking and Mont Saint Michel, and after opening their Inn on the island, she fast became a culinary star. She had around seven hundred delicious recipes that earned her the nickname Mère Poulard, title of honour which distinguishes talents female chefs.

Of all her dishes, the most famous was her omelet which is now famous the world over. Guests today can still enjoy her glorious recipes in the Hotel of Mère Poulard. The restaurant adjoins the Omelet room where her famous dish is cooked over a wood fire, just as it was in times gone by, in the great fireplace.

Dinners can also taste the many other delightful dishes, from Normandy foie gras, salt meadow lamb from Mont Saint Michel, Brittany lobster, farm-raised poultry, vegetables of the season and the traditional Mère Poulard desserts and sweets.

The fame and popularity of Mère Poulard is displayed throughout the hotel with paintings and autographs from its famous visitors. Celebrities such as Claude Monet, Rita Hayworth, Woody Allen, Glenn Glose, Juliette Binoche, Arthur Rubinstein, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent passed through Poulard’s doors.

Many politicians such as Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt and Georges Clemenceau visited, as well as numerous royals from the UK and Japan.

Today the hotel is every bit as popular and provides guests with a cosy room with beautiful views of the island and delicious traditional French food. If you wish to learn the secrets of Mère Poulard’s dishes you can even enroll in the cooking school of Mont Saint Michel.

For more details on reservations visit the official Mère Poulard website.

With P&O Ferries you can get a crossing from Dover to Calais in a car with up to nine people starting from just £30 – it’s then just a short drive to Mont Saint Michel.

Tags: France, History, Lifestyle, P&O Ferries by Rosie Khdir
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When they say that good things come in small packages, they must have been talking about these little museums in Antwerp. Rosie Khdirexplores…

With all the amazing museums in Antwerp it is sometimes easy to forget the little hidden gems that don’t get as much publicity. This blog looks as the smaller places that are definitely worth a look.

Newspaper museum

This is a museum that hosts a collection of contemporary and older newspapers from 126 countries. It is divided into four sections: the history of writing, the origin of printing, the history of newspapers and the life and work of Abraham Verhoeven.

Mineral museum

This museum holds a fascinating collection of fossils and minerals from over a million years gone by. It is privately owned and has been operated by volunteers for more than 30 years. If you have a real interest in history or geology this place is the perfect little afternoon visit.

Stampe and Vertongen aviation museum

The Stampe and Vertongen aviation museum shows a collection of Jean Stampe’s military airplanes are on display alongside Hitler’s infamous V1, or Vergeltungswaffe Einz, which serves as a chilling reminder of how Antwerp was hit during the Second World War. This museum is ironically situated overlooking the runway of Antwerp – Deurne airport, in a beautiful peaceful garden.

Eugeen Van Mieghem Museum

This museum is a little gem. Its displays the works of Eugeen Van Mieghem (1875-1930) a Belgian artist who was famous for his depictions of life at the waterfront, an example of which you can see above. The museum holds 150 of his works, as well as pieces by other by Antwerp artists and is a delight for art lovers.

You can get there easily with P&O Ferries using the Hull – Zeebrugge route, or alternatively via Dover to Calais from where it is just a short drive along the E40 to the Belgian border. Prices start at just £30 for a car and up to nine people.

Image via Wikimedia

Tags: Belgium, History, Lifestyle, P&O Ferries by Rosie Khdir
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This Friday the whole of Amsterdam will turn orange, and by that I don’t mean every inhabitant will get an awful spray tan, I mean it will be Queen’s Day! Rosie Khdir discovers the traditions of this royal celebration.

On April 30th 2010 the Dutch will celebrate Queen’s Day, a national holiday which has been taking place on this day since 1949. The history of this event goes back to 1885 when the Liberal Union intended it as a day of national unity for the Netherlands.

This began with the celebration of the birthday of Princess Wilhelmina on 31 August 1885, and it was called Princess’ Day until her Coronation in 1890.

In September 1948 Queen Juliana ascended to the throne and from 1949 onwards her birthday, 30th April, was known as Queen’s Day. When her daughter and current Queen, Beatrix succeeded her in 1980, she decided to keep the celebration in April, as a tribute to her mother – and because her own birthday is in January when weather tends to prohibit outdoor celebrations.

Every year, since her Coronation, Queen Beatrix has visited cities and town around Holland, where she is shown regional versions of traditional Dutch dances and demonstrations of old crafts. This year she will be visiting Wemeldinge and Middleburg.

All over the country millions of people will celebrate in the streets adorned in clothes and costumes of orange in honour of the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange. It’s not just the clothes, it’s the food, the drink and the decorations, it’s like the whole of Holland has been tangoed!

Traditional flea markets line the city streets and boats filled with orange people fill the canals. In recent years it has become more of an open-air celebration and outdoor concerts are not uncommon. Amsterdam is always one of the busiest places during this holiday and can attract up to 800,000 visitors who party in the public squares and in bars.

If you would like to celebrate with the Dutch this weekend, don’t forget that Amsterdam is just a short drive from the International port of Rotterdam which is serviced by P&O Ferries’ Hull – Rotterdam route.

Image courtesy of Holland.com

Tags: History, Lifestyle, Netherlands, P&O Ferries by Rosie Khdir
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We Brits are renowned for our fondness for a good pint and where better to experience said pint than in Southern Belgium, a region famous for its exquisite array of beers. Rosie Khdir explores one of the most popular Walloon beers.

Drinking beer in the Walloon region isn’t just about relaxing after a hard day or getting sloshed with your mates, its brewing customs are steeped in history and are still greatly valued today.

In the southern Walloon region of Belgian where you can still see the hop crop growing wild, is where you find some of the finest beers in the country. There are many breweries scattered around the region but perhaps one of the most famous, internationally, is the Abbey of Leffe near the town of Dinant.

The Notre-Dame Abbey as it was known when it was founded back in 1152, like many in the region, has brewed its own ale; later in 1200 it was renamed Leffe Abbey. Back then, brewing beer wasn’t a matter of plying the masses with a boozy delight it was actually brewed by monasteries for sanitary reasons.

Deadly diseases like Typhoid were spread through contaminated water, and as people didn’t have the tools to test the water, the sterilisation process used in brewing beers was the best way to prevent contamination.

This Abbey has experienced a fair few knocks in its time including a bout of the plague, which killed the Abbot and seven monks back in 1460 and a flood which virtually destroyed the building.

In 1466 Charles the Bold took hold of the city of Dinant after a rumour was spread there about his mother. His forces ransacked the Leffe Abbey and burnt it to the ground. It has been ravaged by Hungarians and in 1796 was ordered to become state property during the French revolution.

After many years of troubles, the Leffe Abbey still stands in Dinant. In 1937 it became a listed historical building. To this day it still makes those famous and delicious Blonde, Brown and Triple beers.

Visitors can take guided tours of the Abbey and uncover more about its past, discover the tradition of brewing and the pouring ritual of Leffe. For more details visit Abbaye-de-leffe.be.

If you want to experience the taste of a finely brewed Leffe in its home environment, you can get there easily with P&O Ferries using the Hull – Zeebrugge route, or alternatively via Dover to Calais from where it is just a short drive along the E40 to the Belgian border. Prices start at just £30 for a car and up to nine people.

Image credit: [puamelia]

Tags: Belgium, France, History, Lifestyle, P&O Ferries by Rosie Khdir
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