Travelling is all about difference, and you have to expect that on backpacking holidays. Try to embrace different food . . . but don't worry if you can't. Places in Asia have adapted to tourism and will be aware of what you are used to. Have the Irish embassy or consulate's number in case anything goes wrong. But the best advice to give when going on this type of holiday is to leave your preconceptions at the door.
Fionn Davenport, Lonely Planet guide writer
Flowery wellies, terracotta creatures and seed-shaped planters are among the things children can look forward to at the Farmleigh garden workshops this Saturday, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The programme, presented by Chelsea Flower Show medalist Celia Spouncer, encourages participants to create gardens using items such as bottles, crisp packets and gardening magazines. Admission is free, with no need to book. Details from 01-8155900 or www.farmleigh.ie
Fiachra Ó Cionnaith
Sand-hoppers are amphipod crustaceans that scavenge by the million among furls of seaweed cast up by the tide. At low tide at night they roam far out across the wet sand, gnawing at bits of seaweed or crab-leg. Then, retreating as the tide comes in, each of them digs a burrow that will hide it from seabirds and keep out the water. Working furiously with five pairs of legs, the job takes about 10 minutes - an effort equivalent to a man using his hands to dig a hole 60 feet deep.
Michael Viney
Glenda Gilson (model)
Best holiday
It was my holiday in Italy, when we went to Sorrento and Capri. We were able to sit down, relax and enjoy the experience of being in such a beautiful area. The food, shopping and everything else that comes in to a holiday in Italy just added to it.
Worst holiday
My worst holiday actually ended up being one of my best. It was when I went to Marbella with a few of my friends. The first night my best friend broke his leg when he fell on a pathway. Everyone was worried about him but because of the atmosphere in the area and the relief that he would be OK it actually became a really good holiday.
In conversation with Fiachra Ó Cionnaith
Where to go, what to see: For entertainment listings, see The Ticket, every Friday in The Irish Times, or go to www.ireland.com/ theticket
For other events see the What's On column in the main paper every Thursday and the Saturday magazine
Nighthawk Alley
Anthony Glavin, New Island Books €6.99
This gently beguiling novel of contemporary Irish-American Boston explores the world of a Dublin-born mechanic nearing retirement at the garage he set up 30 years before. The arrival of a young mechanic from Donegal and a black Vietnam war veteran open up old wounds and resurrect old bigotries that he had to face 30 years before.
Kevin Connolly, The Winding Stair Bookshop, Dublin 1
