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Daily Mirror
31 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful city dubbed 'Venice's little sister' has barely any tourists
This gorgeous Italian city has been referred to as Venice's little sister, and it's the perfect getaway destination with stunning historical buildings, delicious Italian cuisine and more This breathtaking Italian city, often dubbed as Venice's little sister, is a treasure trove of historical architecture and an ideal spot for a long weekend getaway. Italy is renowned for its captivating city break destinations, but some can be overrun with tourists. Padua, nestled in the north of the country, offers a fantastic escape without the throngs of visitors. The city is a haven of Renaissance art, medieval marketplaces, and tranquil gardens, yet it has managed to stay relatively untouched by mass tourism. It's a highly underrated gem, brimming with arcaded streets and bustling piazza cafe-bars. Art enthusiasts can marvel at the Scrovengi Chapel, adorned with Biblical scenes painted by Renaissance artist Giotto in 1306. The artwork is so invaluable that visitors are only permitted a 15-minute viewing. Padua also houses Musme, the Museum of the History of Medicine, showcasing interactive displays and artefacts that highlight the city's contribution to modern science, reports the Express. From there, guests can stroll over to Palazzo del Bo to witness the world's first anatomical theatre, constructed in 1595, housed within the University of Padua's historic headquarters. Take a leisurely walk through the Arena Gardens adjacent to the canal, where you'll find the remnants of a Roman amphitheatre nestled among lawns and coffee kiosks. The university also lays claim to the world's oldest botanical garden, established in 1545. Back then, circular plots of medicinal plants would have been meticulously cared for. A frequently missed gem in Padua is a visit to the Cathedral Baptistery. Competing with the beauty of the Scrovengi Chapel, the Cathedral Baptistery was adorned in the 1370s by Giusto de' Menabuoi, a disciple of Giotto. The patron saint of Padua has been resting in an open tomb for visitors in St Anthony's Basilica since the 13th century, which also boasts bronze statues and a lavishly decorated ceiling. Just a stone's throw away is St George's Oratory. Once serving as a Napoleonic prison, this Gothic-style Roman Catholic chapel showcases a stunningly detailed portrayal of its namesake. Padua houses numerous UNESCO-listed frescoes, some of which are free to admire at your leisure. If you wish to observe these frescoes, other sites worth visiting include Church of the Eremitani, Palazzo della Ragione and the Oratory of Saint Michael. Of course, it's also a major destination for Italian food-lovers, as the city boasts several delicious local dishes, including bigoli in salsa (spaghetti with anchovy and onion sauce), risotto with rovinassi, and the local chicken dish Gallina Padovana. If you're a sun worshipper, now's the ideal time for a city break to Padua as temperatures can soar to 29C in July. If you fancy a cooler getaway, hold off until October when temperatures hover around a more temperate 19C.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Expert's three gardening jobs you must do to make sure roses bloom longer
There are plenty of gardening jobs to do at this time of year, but taking a little time to tend to roses now can make a big difference in the longer term. Garden enthusiasts, take note - before the summer sun sets for good, there's a blooming opportunity to extend the life of your rose blooms. Alan Down, a green-fingered guru with half a century of cultivating expertise and founder of Down to Earth, advises that properly tended roses could flourish well into the cosier days of mid to late autumn. He emphasised the importance of July rose care, stating: "July rose care often gets overlooked. But a little effort now will reap dividends that in many roses leads to prolonged flowering." READ MORE: Gardeners told to use 'unusual' item to stop dust build-up on peace lilies As the balmy late summer months roll in, it's prime time to keep an eagle eye on your roses due to the increased activity of aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and greenflies on the prowl and keen on making your roses their target. By sparing just five minutes each day to tend to your prized roses until the cusp of August, you can help ensure they stay bountiful and even coax out blooms that would otherwise be waving goodbye much sooner, reports the Express. Feed the roses Firstly, he urged gardeners to feed those hungry roses. Alan advised: "Roses are hungry plants and respond well to being given more feed now. This is especially so if your garden has hungry light soil. The main feeding time is of course during winter. But a top-up at this time of the year will work wonders!". To feed your roses most effectively, look for a balanced fertiliser with equal measures of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, those passionate about petals might consider specially formulated rose feeds or organic options involving fish parts and bone meal to really let their roses revel. Encourage your roses to keep on blooming Simply pop out to your garden and remove any wilting petals from your roses to encourage the growth of longer-lasting blooms. Alan explained: "It's okay to just nip off each browning flower so as to stop the plant wasting energy on seed production. "But it's better to cut back into that flowering stem too. Aim to cut back the stem to remove at least two leaves as well as the fading flower. This should stimulate fresh strong growth that will grow flower buds at its top." Stay vigilant with rose disease management One particularly pervasive affliction is black spot, a fungal infection that thrives in humid climates and can be identified by big circular purple marks on yellowing rose leaves. Be on the lookout for other conditions such as powdery mildew, which presents as a white dusting on leaves, potentially causing them to wilt, and rust, recognised as an orange residue underneath the foliage. Promoting good air flow around your roses, watering from the base, deadheading, and feeding them well markedly decreases the likelihood of encountering these summer woes. Alan remarked: "Well-pruned and well-fed roses are in better shape to resist this attack. But regular sprays that coat new shoots in a protective layer will go a long way to preventing your bushes from blackspot, powdery mildew and rust attack. So don't let up on the spraying now if you want more colourful and sweetly scented roses growing on you till autumn!".
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Airport worker names which suitcases are least likely to be damaged while flying abroad
A baggage handler has shared his top tip for ensuring your luggage doesn't get damaged during a flight - and it's all to do with the type of wheels your suitcase has Picture yourself embarking on that dream getaway you've been planning for ages. You've navigated airport security at your perfect destination and now find yourself stationed beside the baggage carousel, anxiously awaiting your luggage's arrival. Yet when your case finally emerges, it's glaringly obvious that it's been through the wars. It's bashed about, potentially sporting a busted zip, leaving you to wonder what carnage awaits your fragile belongings inside. This nightmare scenario is every holidaymaker's worst fear, but there are measures you can implement to reduce the likelihood of your baggage getting a battering. An airport baggage handler has taken to Reddit to reveal insider knowledge about their profession, according to Devon Live. The key to protecting your luggage lies entirely with the wheels, reports the Express. Cases featuring two wheels, or ideally four functioning ones, can be effortlessly wheeled into the aircraft's cargo hold, keeping your precious items secure. Bags lacking wheels frequently end up being hurled into the hold, potentially causing significant damage. The baggage handler admitted that cases with jammed wheels represent their "absolute least favourite" items to handle. They revealed: "We try to roll it down, but it just falls over after moving six inches." To guarantee your belongings' safety, they suggest purchasing a top-quality suitcase equipped with four properly working wheels, cushioned interior lining, and a robust outer casing for maximum protection. The handler confessed that fragile stickers might not offer the safeguard travellers assume, hinting that they could inadvertently encourage harsher treatment from staff. "Some of us are tempted to treat them worse, but we never do. Having a fragile tag doesn't really make a difference," he clarified. Regarding how far wheel-less luggage can be lobbed, the baggage handler revealed the furthest distance they've seen was "about five metres or so".
Irish Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Chef shares simple tip to make the perfect omelettes at home
Omelettes are the perfect quick and easy meal for breakfast - they can be whipped up in a matter of minutes, and are simply delicious. A nutritious meal, they're rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy choice. Now, one chef has shared an easy method to make your omelettes even more delicious. Ellis Barrie has revealed how to cook an omelette in minutes and it's what you add to it that will make the biggest difference. There are two foods which Barrie suggests adding to this breakfast meal for added flavour. Barrie says the key to a good omelette is adding spinach and cheese to the recipe, Express reports. To make this healthy breakfast, you should: Start by melting a knob of butter in a frying pan placed over a medium heat. Next, you should add the spinach and cook for a minute or two. After this, you should season with salt and pepper and then tip out onto a plate. After this, beat the eggs in a bowl until mixed and return them to the frying pan. Add the remaining butter and melt until it turns foamy. With the beaten eggs, tilt the pan to distribute the eggs evenly and leave for 20 seconds. You'll then need to use a spatula or a wooden spoon to draw in the sides of the eggs to the centre, and incorporate butter. Then, gently shake the pan to redistribute the egg to the edges. For flavour, sprinkle over cheese and spinach while the egg is still runny in the middle. Take the pan off the heat and let the egg continue to cook in the warmth of the pan. Finally, season with salt and pepper, says BBC Food. There's a huge range of toppings you can add to your omelette. Cheese is one of the most common additions but if you're wondering which type of cheese is best, Eating Well has shared what you should look out for. It says: 'There's nothing wrong with choosing classic grated Cheddar to complement some crispy bacon or well-seared breakfast sausage, but a softer cheese, like chèvre or a herby Boursin, amplifies the gooey factor and leaves you with creamy bite after creamy bite. 'Softer cheeses, stirred together with your proteins and cooked veggies, also help with ingredient integration, assuring that every bite has a little bit of everything.' By following this simple recipe, you can create a delicious healthy breakfast to start your day off with a nutritious meal. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jane Austen fans urged to watch 'brilliant' and 'refreshing' movie adaptation
Jane Austen fans may have missed this adaptation of her works As Jane Austen marks her 250th birthday this year, fans are revisiting the celebrated author's works. Over the years, numerous adaptations of her novels have been created, along with fresh interpretations that draw inspiration from her books, reports the Express. Some notable examples include Bridget Jones's Diary, which reimagines Pride and Prejudice in a modern setting, and Clueless, which transposes Emma from Regency England to the complex social hierarchy of a 1990s Beverly Hills high school. Additionally, there are productions like ITV's Lost in Austen, where a contemporary woman finds herself in the world of Pride and Prejudice, and Austenland, which follows a romantic as she visits a Jane Austen-themed park in pursuit of her Regency dreams. However, one lesser-known adaptation, featuring two Virgin River stars, is also worth watching. On IMDb, one viewer praised the film as "brilliant", saying: "Vibrant, colorful [sic], hilarious and lively, this movie was a sheer joy to watch. A refreshing take on an old classic." Another reviewer commented: "Well, it's pretty hard, isn't it, to write a spoiler for a film which is based on such a well-known, well-loved novel! I will show my hand here and say that I am a Janeite. "However, I am not a purist and I like many Jane Austen adaptations that many Janeites don't (for example I like 'Mansfield Park')." One viewer noted: "The script did a pretty good job of capturing the essence of the story whilst playing around with some of the details eg cutting out the fifth daughter whose role in the story is pretty minimal, and making the 'tyrant' in Darcy's life his mother not his aunt (a more realistic situation in its modern setting)." Another fan chimed in: "Gurinder Chadha has transported Jane Austen's great novel to India. What a charmer this film turns out to be! The adaptation of the novel is excellent as the new locale is incorporated to the story." They continued: "The incredible Indian colors explode in front of our eyes giving the Western viewers such an opportunity to experience a little taste of India [sic]." Bride and Prejudice, released in 2004, masterfully blended Bollywood and Hollywood through the lens of Jane Austen. Directed by Gurinder Chadha of Bend It Like Beckham fame, the film offered a refreshing spin on Austen's classic tale of Pride and Prejudice. Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan took centre stage as Lalita Bakshi, who initially butts heads with the suave American businessman Will Darcy, played by Martin Henderson, before they inevitably fall for each other. Joining Henderson was Daniel Gillies, known for his roles in Virgin River and The Originals, who portrayed his rival George Wickham - a role that amusingly mirrors their respective characters in Netflix's romantic drama series. The cast also boasts acclaimed Indian actor Anupam Kher, known for his roles in Bend It Like Beckham and Hotel Mumbai, Naveen Andrews of Lost and The English Patient fame, Namrata Shirodkar from Hera Pheri and Major, Indira Varma who starred in Game of Thrones and Luther, and EastEnders ' Nitin Ganatra.
