Hello, Travelers! It is a chilly, rainy day today here in Portland. I guess I’d better get used to it since summer is rapidly coming to an end. When a day like this comes, I daydream of cozying up with a good book in an old fashioned cottage in the English countryside, sitting either in a bay window or next to a roaring fire in the stone fireplace (the latter fantasy usually comes with much colder days).
Alas, I am not in my beautiful wooden cottage. That doesn’t mean I can’t cook something that makes me feel like I am there, though, right? Right! I think a delicious Cottage Pie would be fitting!
Cottage Pie
1 lb lean ground beef
1 c beef broth
1 tbsp butter, softened
1 tbsp tomato paste
4 oz shredded cheddar
3 c mashed potatoes
½ c carrots, chopped
1 small onion, diced
¼ c fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp all purpose flour
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp thyme leaves
Paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350°
Crumble beef into a large skillet and cook over medium heat for about a minute. Add onion, carrot and cook for 5 minutes or until meat is browned and onions are translucent. Mix in flour, thyme, parsley and butter.
Combine broth and tomato paste together in a small bowl and mix well. Add to beef mixture. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add mixture into an 8 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle cheddar over the meat mixture and spread potatoes evenly over the top. Sprinkle with paprika, bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until potatoes are slightly browned.
For an authentic feel, serve with steamed carrots and peas.
You don’t have to daydream about spending a rainy afternoon in the English countryside. 1-800-Fly-Europe offers cheap flights to London every day, so book online or call us today!
Each year, Kirchberg in Tirol plays host to the International Libro Balloon Cup. This town, most noted for winter sports, is located in the western state of Tyrol’s Brixen Valley skiing region, Kitzbühel.More than 30 teams from other European countries (Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom to name a few) flock to Austria to compete in this event.
This festival is fun for the whole family. Program highlights include public rides, paragliding championships and a children’s festival. On the final day is the competition of teams and that evening after sundown the most popular event at the Balloon Cup is held: Night Glow, a night flight. The breathtaking spectacle of all the hot air balloons illuminated in the night sky by the gas burners which keep them afloat is the perfect way to end the festival.
Don’t miss your chance to see the beauty of the Kitzbühel Alps from a bird’s eye view. This year, the International Balloon cup will be held from September 16th through the 24th. Book a cheap flight to Austria today to join the fun.
Travel to Brussels during the first weekend of September and join the 13th annual Belgian Beer Weekend at Grand Place. The event is sponsored by the city of Brussels, the Belgian Brewers Association and the Mashstaff of the Knights.
There is a procession through the streets of Brussels, showcasing the historical brewery carts and beer wagons followed by a parade at the Grand Place. This event is sure to be fun for the entire family; activities just for kids will be provided, there will be live jazz and brass bands for entertainment and a celebration of St. Arnold, the patron saint of brewers.
Breweries from all over the country will be at the event offering visitors a taste of their finest brews. Hundreds of different beers will be served at the Belgian Beer Weekend. To name just a few that will be available: Stella Artois, Chimay, Framboise, Kriek and Oesterstout.
The fun begins on Friday, 2 September until Sunday, 4 September. Book a cheap flight to Brussels and get ready for a delicious time!
Any time is a good time to travel to Switzerland, but if you go during August, you can participate in a variety of events held throughout the country.
Alpine Beard FestivalAugust 19-21, 2011 – Chur
My favorite of all the Swiss events is the Alpine Beard Festival which is held in the small mountainside town of Chur. Once a year, men who have been growing their facial hair out all winter compete for the title of Grand Master. There are three different categories: Mustaches, Chin and Whiskers and Beards. I actually wrote a blog about this festival last year, which you can read here.
The Buskers Bern Street Music Festival August 11-13, 2011 – Bern
The Buskers Bern Street Music Festival is one of the most exciting festivals in the city. It is held in Bern’s picturesque Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and is a great event for the whole family. From magicians and jugglers to musicians and dancers, these street performers love to share their talents with spectators and will keep you entertained for hours.
Zermatt Folklore Festival August 14, 2011 – Zermatt
Zermatt is an excellent destination for those who enjoy skiing and mountain climbing as it lies in the valley below the majestic Matterhorn. But in August, people descend upon the small alpine village Zermatt for reasons other than outdoor adventures; they have come to showcase their talents at the Zermatt Folklore Festival. The entertainment will include dancing, music and my favorite: yodeling. Come to Zermatt for the Folklore Festival, sit back and enjoy the show.
There are many more happenings going on this month, so book a cheap flight to Switzerland today and get ready for a good time!
Each year, Kirchberg in Tirol plays host to the International Libro Balloon Cup. This town, most noted for winter sports, is located in the western state of Tyrol’s Brixen Valley skiing region, Kitzbühel. More than 30 teams from other European countries (Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom to name a few) flock to Austria to compete in this event.
Travel to Brussels during the first weekend of September and join the 13th annual Belgian Beer Weekend at Grand Place. The event is sponsored by the city of Brussels, the Belgian Brewers Association and the Mashstaff of the Knights.
Any time is a good time to 
