R: Hi Dizzee

D: Hi
R: Ok, so, you’ve got a new album coming out in September?

D: Yeah, Tongue ‘n’ Cheek

R: Can you tell me a bit about it?

D: Er, yeah. Basically it’s a crazy pop album, it’s the kind of album that you can like, have a party to, that was the idea, but yeah, there’s a lot of really up tempo, er, quite happy sounding tracks on it. Bits of dance music elements in it, elements of hip hop, and stuff like that.

R: You’ve done a few collaborations now with the likes of Calvin Harris and Armand Van Helden, are there any more on the new album.

D: Nah, that’s it now

R: Have you got a new single that’s going to be put out before the album?

D: Yeah, it’s another big tune, that’s been produced by Calvin Harris, but he’s not featured in it. It’s called’ Holiday’, and that’s coming out in August.

R: What’s the best thing about being Dizzee Rascal?

D: Just being able to do what I love, to make music and get people dancing is pretty amazing.

R: You’ve had quite a rebellious youth, apparently robbing pizza delivery boys and fighting with teachers, have you lost your wild ways?

D: I’m just getting on with work now.

R: What do you feel proudest of?

D: I guess having a career this long and getting stronger and building the fan base makes me feel proud.

R: And what can we expect from your set tonight?

Er, just a lot of vibes, a lot of energy, that’s what we’re going to bring to the stage tonight.

(l-r Zosia Swidlicka, Dizzee Rascal, Rajina Gurung)

Rajina Gurung

If we are to host a really memorable soccer world cup we need to build world class stadiums. Some of the old stadiums in Johannesburg had to be re-vamped while stadiums in other cities, like Durban or Port Elizabeth had to be built. All the stadiums look beautiful and have a large seating capacity. One has to wonder whether in a country where corruption is endemic how much money went into the back pockets of business men and officials?

The second biggest hassle will be providing visitors with a working public transport system. Right now the only public transport systems are the mini buses, which are often not road worthy. These vehicles stop at any road or junction to pick up passengers. To take the right taxi you need to know which hand signal to make. If the taxi driver is going your way they will stop for you.

Since any foreigner would find this situation confusing, maybe even dangerous if they took a wrong turn, the government is building the Gautrain link. This rapid train is meant to link Pretoria and Johannesburg with the airport. Since not much work has been done on the project to date I think it would be advisable to rent a car.

Recently, some South African citizens have banded together and attacked foreigners, many are illegal imigrants. This wave of xenophobic has forced thousands of people to flee from their homes. Some have returned home, but many remain seeking shelter in abandoned buildings or churches. This sad situation is thought to have happened because of South Africans blaming foreigners for an increase in crime and for taking away their jobs. This incident has damaged South Africa’s reputation internationally. Some people fear that the international community will prohibit South Africa from hosting the world cup if this problem repeats itself. If we are to repair our reputation we must keep all people, illegal or otherwise, safe within our borders.

I wish I could say for sure that this will be an incredibly proud moment for South Africa marked by jubilant celebrations. It is still a possibility that this will be a failure marred by corruption charges, crime against foreigners and inefficient transport co-ordination. My hope for South Africa is that on this day it can rise above its past failings and provide all the tourists with a well safe well organized event.

Laura Arnold

Rome’s numerous landmarks are the main things that many tourists go to see, and they don’t disappoint. One of the first to see is the Trevi Fountain. One of the largest in the world, it was built in the 1700’s as part of a competition. There is a superstition that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will be guaranteed to return to Rome. Every day, approximately 3000 Euros a day are thrown into the fountain, which is donated to help the needy living in the city.

The Colosseum, arguably Rome’s most famous landmark, is a truly impressive site. This enormous stadium was used by the Romans to stage the infamous gladiator battles, as well as mock animal hunts and other such events. Although much of the building has been ruined by earthquakes and stone-robbers, you can still imagine what it would have been like some 2000 years ago, with some seats and the arena floor partially restored. Due to its ruined nature, you can now also see under where the arena floor would have been. Here there are remnants of the area where the animals were kept, before they were raised up by mechanisms through trap doors to be slaughtered by the gladiators.

Of course, no trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Vatican, and after going through a mini customs (it’s a separate country from Italy), you can have a look around the Pope’s house. This is where a large majority of Rome’s art is kept, and the amount there is staggering. The Sistine Chapel is a definite highlight, and something that everyone should see once.

There really is so much to do in Rome. Whether you wander the side streets, eat at one of its many little restaurants, shop in anything from tacky souvenir shops to Gucci, or take in the sights and sounds on offer, just make sure you “do as the Romans do.”

Tom Roberts

My friend and I visited our Swedish friend in Varberg, a few miles from Gothenburg City, in South-West Sweden. What a gorgeous place. It was so charming and naturally pretty with charmingly painted wooden houses. Did I mention the charm?

My friend once remarked that: ‘It’s like being in rehab.’. Sweden definitely has an air of tranquillity and the feel that it is Britain in another dimension where everything is just, with low crime, poverty and inequality. Sweden is famed for having a rumoured ‘perfect society’ and it does appear true. Everyone seems middle class, there are great provisions for women and their careers and it is a fantastic place to raise children. Even the roads looked like they had been hoovered. The happiness that comes from living in a ‘perfect society’ seems to come across in the genuine smiles and helpfulness of the Swedish people.

Our friend’s family were very thoughtful and thankfully spoke English, as almost everyone in the country can. They encouraged us to try the typical national diet which included such memorable cases as caviar instead of salt, an assortment of breads and cheese out of tubes! It was surprisingly sunny every day and we were by the coast which meant picnics and gorgeous photographs.

Gothenburg city is impressive with enough history and interesting shops to keep anyone amused. A highlight was a shop called ‘The English Shop’ which was like walking into a quaint Asda but just because it was in Sweden, it was amazing.

Our time in Sweden was littered with fikas, a social pleasure that consists of coffee, cake and a long gossip in a charming shop. The shops were also full of bizarre looking contraptions which turned out to be highly useful inventions for everyday uses. If you have a wacky invention, forget ‘Dragons Den’; visit Sweden.

My friend was equally impressed by Sweden and we hope to hit Denmark in the summer to see if the rest of Scandinavia matches Sweden for its tranquillity, interest and above all, charm.

Laura Blumenthal

One such island is Meerufenfushi, an hour’s speedboat ride away from the capital, Malé. The island itself is nothing short of paradise, something that every resort island in the Maldives seems to have in common. Clear blue waters, bright sunshine and lazily swaying palms are a welcome greeting after a ten hour flight in an economy seat, and you are swiftly ushered to your room. All accommodation on the island is made up of individual huts, giving you a sense of privacy that is almost impossible to find in a large hotel.

The Maldives itself is a strict Muslim country, which prohibits even the importation of any materials ‘contrary to the teachings of Islam’. It seemed bizarre therefore that the Easter celebrations on Meeru were so extravagant. There was egg painting and an Easter egg hunt for children, and the decorations at dinner were nothing short of spectacular, with giant ice sculptures of hens and eggs adorning the buffet tables. Children were also presented with chocolate eggs and rabbits, and if it wasn’t for the scorching heat and delicious sea breeze, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Europe.

Indeed, despite being in the middle of the Indian ocean, Europe seems to be something you cannot escape from. Tourists on the island are primarily European, as is the food and entertainment (with the exception of the Maldivian cultural night on Friday nights). True Maldivian culture can only be accessed if you choose to visit a neighbouring island, and often these are tailored to show you certain carefully chosen aspects of Maldivian life.

The Maldives will never be a destination frequented by students. The cost of visiting this slice of paradise coupled with the lack of things to see and do mean that many would rather spend their student loan visiting areas with greater appeal. However, with luck the Maldives will still be there for when we have dug ourselves out of debt and have time to appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of these wonderful islands.

Holly Austin

The best way to get into Paris is the Eurostar with fares starting from £50 return plus the fare of a ticket into London. It is advisable to book massively in advance unless you only have access to a platinum American Express and one brain cell. The other way to easily get into Paris is by plane from EMA to Beavais (a quaint town with a good cathedral) using Ryanair, from €2 return. However, this is 60km from Paris so a €26 bus ride is always necessary.

The sights of Paris are ingrained in our national physche and perception of the French. The Eiffel Tower may be fun, but a better view of Paris can be found at the Sacré Coeur, for those who enjoy a historical perspective or the works of Oscar Wilde. A statue to Wilde was erected over his tomb, as a naked man. The legend goes that the man’s penis was broken off and used as a paperweight by the warden, and for those wanting love and fertility kissing the statue’s crotch is said to bring just that.

The naval victories of Sir William Sidney Smith at the cemetery Père Lachaise is an absolute must. Also within the 20eme about 2 métro stops away is the market of the Porte de Montreuil selling everything from berets to the Kepi of the Legion. Interspersed with broken cars and scooters, it is certainly an eclectic environment.

There are many tourist traps in Paris on the bar and restaurant front but gems can be found. Try the Quai de Valmy with the bar Chez Prune for a quintessential Parisian experience, with cocktails and coffee and nibbles: the best café in the world! Further down the road La Marine serves up French food done properly and cheaply. The staff, though not used to tourists, are incredibly helpful and the food is cooked and dressed to perfection.

For the hopeless romantic, L’Auberge de Nicolas Flamel should be your first and only consideration. Set in the old house of the philosopher and alchemist Nicolas Flamel, the surroundings make for a truly wondrous and romantic evening though the bill may leave little to be desired.

Accommodation is plentiful in Paris, with Le Montclair Montmartre excellent value for (about €25). But the best place is the most unlikely: the Hotel Ibis just outside Paris in Bagnolet is a 20 story leviathan for €50 a night (with double bed). Three stars, a panoramic Paris and a métro stop just outside, it’s the perfect place for those avec amour. With the city of lights on show, why not?

Mark Iliffe

At the centre of the North Island is Lake Taupo, once a volcanic crater but now an attraction for hundreds of tourists. Stunning views from Taupo include the sight of three volcanoes: Mount Ruapehu, Mount Narahoe and Mount Taranaki. The snowy Mountains are a striking contrast to the lush green surrounding the lake. For excitement attempt the Taupo Bungee, a thrilling forty seven metre drop into the Waikato River!

We also visited Orakei Korako, a volcanic zone where Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886 leaving behind the stunning image of frozen lava spilling down the mountain into Lake Ohakuri. It is advisable to keep to the path when touring this incredible site as you find yourself surrounded by hot springs and geysers in a very unstable yet beautiful environment. Near to this is Huka Falls, an exhilarating view of more than 220 000 litres of water rushing by every second. There is even the opportunity to ride the Huka Jet along these rapids but it is not for faint at heart!

Wellington is the capital city and an opportunity to experience a busier way of life. There’s the choice to shop in the inner city, kayak around the harbour or visit the beaches on the outskirts. The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, offers an insight into Maori culture, including legends of how New Zealand was created and the lands formed.

The Kiwis are a friendly and laid back population but at the same time vehemently protective of their heritage. This is strongly noticeable in the pride and emotion invested in the national rugby team: the mighty All Blacks. Sport and thrill seeking is an integral part of life, with activities ranging from bungee jumping to mountain bike riding. Pushing the limits is the people here do best and with style!

Melanie Black

The lights, also known as ‘Aurora Borealis’ are the work of “solar wind particles colliding with air molecules and transferring their energy into light”. As a result, a breath-taking show is performed, stretching right over the arctic and sub-arctic region. Depending on the conditions of the air, the lights can last for one or two minutes displaying a green-yellow tinge prancing about the sky in a magnificent curtain-effect, a multi-coloured array that can last for hours!

The Northern Lights have been known to stretch as far south as the UK, but the atmosphere and full extent of the light extravaganza is best experienced in the Arctic regions of Iceland, Greenland, Canada and Scandinavia. A clear, cloudless night sky is essential to render the lights visible, especially from November to February when daylight is but a glint of sunlight below the horizon.

This phenomenon is waited for in unbearable anticipation by tourists and received with awe-stricken appreciation for the wonders of Mother Nature. There are a few holiday destinations in which people journey to in hope of experiencing the Northern Lights, one of which is the village of Abisko in Sweden. This destination is home of the Abisko National Park, valued for the behaviour of its prevailing winds that prevent cloud formations. In addition to this, there is also the opportunity to stay at the IceHotel… and yes, it is exactly what it sounds like! It is a man-made structure completely constructed out of ice with the chance to spend a night in the snow room and chill out in the ice bar!

Although there may be a few natural occurrences in the world, you have to admit that the Northern Lights are definitely in a league of their own. They allow us to experience a mind blowing adventure you would never forget.

Rachel Martin