Newsletter - August 2005

Travelogue: Beautiful Lisbon

Get the low-down on travel destinations from Yolanda, our backpacking, party-going, travel-writing guru.

Unlike most people you meet when travelling, I always seem to take the road less travelled. I don't want to go where you will constantly run into the same people over and over again. I like adventure, fun and better yet, a place that is relaxing, calm and has miles and miles of beaches. I was thinking of Spain, but everyone and their mama go there. I met this guy at my hostel that suggested I try Lisbon in Portugal. I didn’t take much convincing - I was game! You don't hear much about Portugal (All most people know is that is it’s west of Spain). What most people don’t realise is that this place has many hidden gem that make it a worthwhile place to unpack you gear, get a bottle of wine and head for the beach.
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What about other cities where you've enjoyed similar experiences? Send us your travel stories! Each month, the winner gets 2 free nights at St-Christopher's Inns! Send your submissions to submissions@st-christophers.co.uk

Travel Book

This is an exciting new feature of the “Live Your Life Newsletter”! Every month we will be featuring an extract of a fantastic new book entitled, “Catalyst for Adventure: The true story of best friends travelling through Europe” by Crystal Stanczak.

Catalyst For Adventure: The True Story of Best Friends Travelling Through Europe

At first glance, the looped thread in a cubicle is often mistaken for gray. However, when one spends endless hours staring at the ergonomically correct cage, it becomes evident that someone in China loomed highlights of purple and red in with the gray. This may have been a corporate decision, based on millions of dollars worth of studies that indicate, "Workers who see bits of color throughout the day are more productive." My company was truly benefiting from those bits of color on the wall of my cubicle. I was one of the most productive hamsters running the wheel for the corporate agenda.
Read the rest of the extract

Order this book:You can order this book at Amazon.com

Read any other good travel books? Send your recommendations to submissions@st-christophers.co.uk

Recommended European Hostels

More Free Stuff!

Does this scenario sound familiar… you’ve spent months monitoring your bank account, reluctantly saying no to the offers of dinners out and that extra cocktail in anticipation for your European backpack trip. Finally you journey overseas, finding freedom in Europe and a release from endless checks to see if you’ve saved enough for that extra helping of pizza by the Coliseum… or do you?
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Euro Youth Hostel in Bad Gastein, Austria!

Ever been in the gorgeous Austrian Alps? Summertime in Bad Gastein is what you want it to be. It can be a well needed rest for sore feet, from running around sightseeing the great cities of Europe, or it may as well be an action packed time. We offer paragliding, white water rafting (just 37 EURO), canyoning, mountain biking and endless hiking in the beautiful mountains. THRILLS IN THE HILLS then grilling and chilling. Not to forget is the famous thermal baths just 50 yards from the hostel. Jump into the warm delicious water and recharge your batteries.
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The Flying Pig in Amsterdam, Holland!

Are you ready for your Amsterdam adventure and looking for a great place to stay? Don’t worry. Whether you’re looking for greener grass, red lights, to learn more about the Dutch past or to ride genuine Dutch bikes, to go crazy in rocking clubs, or to drink a famous Dutch ‘pils’ (pint) in one of our pubs; The Flying Pig hostels have got the perfect spot for you!
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Love is in the Air

We, at St Christopher’s, were so stoked to receive this email the other day from Daniel Robertson…

“I stay at St Christopher’s a lot of times when I come down to do work! Can I just say a big thanks for making all my trips so worthwhile! Thanks to you guys, I have met the woman of my dreams and we are soon to be married in Disney World, Florida! Also I have met all of my good friends at the hostel! Once again, a great big thanks!”
Daniel Robertson, Scotland!!

Thanks for the email, Daniel! We wish you nothing but the best and hope you and your fiancé have a fantastic life together!

Hot Deals This Month

Greenwich Theatre Promotion: 9 August - 4 September!

From August, St Christopher's, Greenwich is offering a special theatre-bed promotion. Book 1 night in our 8-bed dorm for £20 and get a ticket to see The Seagull. Book now using our secure form. For same-day bookings, call +44 208 858 3591.

Newquay Summer Surf Packages!

We have set up a great £145/week package for you. This includes 7 nights in any dorm, with linen, continental breakfast and bathroom facilities. these packages run Saturday to Saturdays in July and August; and can be booked online. Alternatively, just book our regular offers directly on our website.

With a great choice of 5 different beaches and great parties, Newquay is the most popular surf destination in the UK. The season is from early June to the end of September. St Christopher's in Newquay is the accommodation and bar of choice for surfers, with 80 beds and a great Belushi's Bar overlooking Towan Beach. Most rooms overlook the beach which is only a few steps away. We can also recommend you the best surf schools in town, and the world famous Eden Project is only a short ride away.

Wicked Events This Month!

With the summer sun shining and everyone out for some fun we bring you this month’s events for the month of August. From toad festivals, strange music festivals, beard and moustache growing contests, and the world’s biggest food fight, August is a great month both in the UK and abroad.

Find out more about Events in the UK and Events in Europe

Exclusive Backpacker Parties!

Every Wednesday, Belushi's London Bridge in association with Hostelworld, VIP Backpackers, Haggis Adventures, Busabout and Eastern Trekker present the biggest, wildest and craziest party night exclusively for backpackers! Starting from 8pm going through 'til 2am you can indulge in £1 drinks (including Vodka & Red Bull!) and win fantastic holidays and tours. It's a night not to be missed!

Belushi's London Bridge, 161-165 Borough High Street
Southwark, London, SE1 1HR
Tel: 0207 939 9700
Nearest Tube: London Bridge

What’s on in our Beds & Bars?

St Christopher’s Village & Belushi’s - Southbank, London

Belushi's at The Village is all about parties!

Monday night is Latino Heaven, with free salsa lessons downstairs in the club. Karaoke in the bar.
Tuesday is Comedy Night. Edinburgh Preview Festival is still on the go!
Awesome backpacker's party every Wednesday. Loads of prizes up for grabs!
Quiz Night on Sunday with the weird and wonderful, Canada.
Tons of Sport. We are open for all the major games this month
New, bigger and waaaay better hot tub coming soon - with webcam
Sunday afternoon BBQ's

St Christopher’s & Belushi’s – Camden, North London

Camden Rocks! Literally!!
Belushi's, Camden in association with Dissident Promotions is proud to announce the launch of their Saturday Rock Night. They have an awesome line up, so go check it out. Download and print this flyer, and get discounted entry!

St Christopher’s Inn – Greenwich, South East London

Check out the Jazz Sessions every Wednesday from 9:30 – midnight - cider at £1.50 a pint!
August Bank Holiday Monday - Beach party and BBQ with live music. Fancy dress is essential!
Awesome hostel-theatre promotion. 1 night and theatre ticket for £20.

St Christopher’s & Belushi’s - Shepherd’s Bush, West London

Belushi's in Shepherd's Bush is all about sport and barbies this month!!

Enjoy Live sport on the big screen
Soak up the afternoon sun on the new sundeck with a true Aussie BBQ
Take advantage of our 50% discount on all food Monday to Thursday from noon to 4pm
Open Mic Night still rocking on Tuesday nights with chances of winning free drinks

Orient Espresso - Southbank, London

The Orient Espresso is quiet, clean, and provides a nice environment to read, check emails, talk with fellow travellers or update that journal of yours.

We have some great food and drink specials at the moment, the most popular being the packed lunch deal. This lunch includes sandwich, drink, and crisps for £3.50 - perfect for a walk around Central London where prices sky rocket. We have also started a Smoothie Menu which includes a Bumpin' Berry Blast (a blend of mixed berry's) and a Funky Fruit Flurry (which includes a variety of tropical fruits and more). Our new shake menu allows you to customise your shake, with cookies (American-style), Chocolate bars, and a wide choice of flavoured syrups. Make use of our Internet Access and get a 10% discount on food and drinks.

Belushi’s – Covent Garden, London

Sunday we're open 'til 10.30pm, and happy hour ends at 8pm every day
Choose from over 40 cocktails for only £8.95 a jug!
Great menu, best burgers around. Food is available all day!
Listen to music from Billy Talent, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Green Day, System of a Down, Living End, Lost Prophets,Distillers, Guns 'n' Roses, Metallica, Bush, White Stripes, Jett, Alkaline Trio,Moog, and heaps more from our 10,000 song library
2 for 1 Vodka Cruisers and Corona
£2 drinks – Bundy, Crown, Woodstock Bourbon
£1 shots
Monopoly Board Pub Crawl, on the 20th of August
Check out the new web cams!

The Hercules Pillars – Holborn, London

Conveniently placed, you will find us great place to celebrate a promotion, engagement, anniversary, retirement or birthday. Or when you simply want to take a break from work or sight seeing in welcoming surrounds - just the place to drink and eat your fill before your visit to the theatre.

NASN & Belushi’s August Highlights

The Race For the Playoffs Heats Up on NASN

August is the month that matters in Major League Baseball with the Playoffs now a only a few weeks away. A hot streak here can really turn a team’s season around, so expect some heated action on the diamond. NASN will also step up it’s coverage with live double headers galore and plenty of live primetime games to keep you in the action. Some of the highlights in August feature Atlanta vs. St Louis on Saturday 6th, Chicago WS vs. NY Yankees on Tuesday 9th, Boston vs. L.A. Angels on Saturday 20th and Florida vs. Chicago Cubs on Friday 26th.

NASCAR is also reaching a crucial stage of season with the Chase for the Championship getting underway in September and only 10 lucky drivers allowed to qualify. Each race is now vital and NASN will have every one in August live and uninterrupted, including the legendary Brickyard 400 on August 7th, live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

It’s all go on NASN this August with further live and exclusive coverage from the CFL and live coverage from the 2005 Little League World Series. For further scheduling information just head over to www.nasn.com.

Major League Baseball Night

Don't miss "MLB Nights" every Wednesday at Belushi’s!

Visit your local Belushi’s* every Wednesday from 6pm and be part of the Baseball experience with Major League Baseball and NASN! Enjoy a 10% discount off Belushis new and exclusive Ball Park Menu and a whopping £3 off designated pitchers! Plus, you can watch a Major League Baseball game live and exclusive only on NASN. Make sure you catch a piece of the action and experience the flavour of America's national pastime!

Check out www.mlb.com for all the baseball action

*Participating Venues: Covent Garden, London Bridge, Camden, Shepherd’s Bush and Edinburgh

This Month’s Sweaty Jockstrap

Cricket

The so-called Aussie “OAPs” (Old Age Pensioners) of Warne and Macgrath ripped England to shreds in the First Test to go 1-0. Not great news, but hey, at least we didn’t lose to Bangladesh!

Rugby Union

Fortunately the Aussies haven’t had it all their own way, as South Africa defeated them twice in as many weeks - the second game being a 22-16 win in the first match of the Tri-Nations

Football

Premier League gets under way in a few weeks, and the question must be who is going to come second to the Billionaires that are Chelsea FC? Certainly not Fulham who crashed 4-1 to a US All-Star team (Do the US have any soccer stars?)

Rugby League

Leeds March on at the top of Super League while Brisbane doing the same at the top of the NRL. Can’t help but laugh at Leigh and Newcastle Knights who are bottom of their respective leagues.

Athletics

With the World Championships in Helsinki on the Horizon the questions on everyone’s lips are, “Will Paula Radcliffe cry or pee in the street again?” and “Is that Woman weightlifter actually a man?”

Other News

Lance Armstrong proves too good yet again as he records his seventh Tour de France win and promptly retires. We might actually see some Ice Hockey as NHL looks set to start a new season in October. London wins the Olympic games in 2012, so we can all start saving up now to afford a bed! Oh and did I mention that Australia lost to Bangladesh? hahahahaha

Nobody Likes A Whiner

Those of you who have stayed with us before will have received one of our Pillow Talk Newsletters, where we ask for feedback on your time with us. We take your comments very seriously, but occasionally, we receive an absolute gem! Over the next few months, we will be posting some of the weirdest and funniest comments we have received. This month's winner is undoubtedly the most bizarre comment ever!

“Brilliant that our price to stay included breakfast but please please serve it later in the day. The nights in the bar were so good that getting up for 10 was unrealistic. Anyway thanks!”

Belushi’s & St Christopher’s Sport Sponsorships

Emanuel Rugby Club again thanks Belushi’s and St Christopher’s for their continued support, by way of sponsorship - hopefully will see more Interpub employees joining the club!

Emanuel Rugby Club (between Wimbledon & Kingston near Rayne’s Park Railway Station, just off the A3, by the Golf Range at Shannon Corner New Malden) is looking for players for all teams.

The Club went on 9-day August tour to Toronto in 2004, a 4-day June 2005 tour to Italy (Rimini Council say the town will recover eventually!) and plan a trip with a large squad to Cape Town in August 2006.
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