By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
Picture the scene: you’ve donned your coolest, floatiest clothes, a pair of trusty flip-flops and a rather sweet straw hat you picked up at the stifling market square just yesterday afternoon. Your skin smells of suncream and there is a light breeze to cut through the relentless rays of glorious sunshine. It’s early, still, and the day still holds the promise of poolside peace, cocktails on the sand and a balmy evening with loved ones. Now, though, it’s time to check out some of the cultural hotspots of whichever island, city or untouched village you have escaped to for some of the very finest European summer sunshine.
Exploring the cultural gems of the local area while you switch off from the bustle of daily life is one of the most rewarding parts of a summer holiday. It helps to enrich your understanding of the region, from the religious sensibilities of the people to the aesthetic principles of the architecture, the influences on local cuisine to the customs of daily life. Local places of worship provide a cool sanctuary for a moment’s reflection while museums narrativise local history to give context and depth to the otherwise Instagrammable whitewashed walls and twisting cobbled streets. Read on for a few of the very best cultural must-sees in our favourite summer sun locations…
The Cyclades
For ecclesiastical, architectural awe under the beating sun, look no further than Greece. Some of its world-famous churches are richly adorned and deliciously rustic, while others stand out against the cerulean firmament with their bright white, Cycladic silhouettes. One of the most culturally intriguing of Greece’s many churches is the 4th century Byzantine Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, or The Church of 100 Doors, located on the island of Paros. Paros is known for its white marble and decidedly un-touristy atmosphere, at least when compared to Mykonos, Rhodes or Santorini. Its most famous church is steeped in ancient legend; according to local lore, the 100th door, which is either hidden, undiscovered or non-existent, will appear again only when Constantinople becomes Greek again.
Catalonia
This Spanish site of cultural interest has kept me coming back for more over the years: the Salvador Dalí House Museum, located in Port Lligat, Catalonia, on the east coast. A 15-minute walk from the quaint fishing village and resort of Cadaqués, the house-museum comprises the labyrinthine living quarters and studio space of the infamous Surrealist artist, Dalí himself. He lived and worked there from 1930 to 1982 amongst the eclectic, sprawling collection of memorabilia that trickles out into the grounds and, of course, onto the roof. The property is distinguishable from afar by the larger-than-life egg on the tiles of said roof, a primary Dalinian artistic symbol. Pick up an ice-cold beer at Bar Llevant Port Lligat just opposite the exit and then wander back along the rural roads towards Cadaqués for a plate of pan con tomate on the beach.
Ibiza
Notorious for its nightlife, Ibiza also boasts a rich cultural heritage to explore by day. It may surprise readers to know that Ibiza is actually one of the earliest towns in Europe, first settled by the Carthaginians in 654BC. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most interesting parts of the town’s history is the way it has been used across centuries, from its use as a strategic port to a defensive fortress in its early life, and now, as one of the world’s most popular and infamous resorts. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the town’s cultural heritage is to visit Can Ros, the Ethnographic Museum of Ibiza. The 300-year-old farmhouse, built in Ibiza’s rural architectural style known as Ibicenco, showcases an ethnographic collection of domestic items and artefacts that bring history to life. From household utensils to jewellery and from musical instruments to weaponry, Can Ros unlocks the private histories of the people who were here long before the holidaymakers.
Trogir
Croatia has become a go-to for summer sun, especially since 2012 when the country joined the EU. The move prompted a reinvestment in the Croatian economy and lessened custom control, resulting in almost 6 million tourist arrivals the following year alone. Each year, the country reports further increases, and it’s easy to see why when you consider the beautiful climate, the gorgeous beaches and the undeniable Game of Thrones draw. Popular spots include Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb, each boasting their own cultural delights, but the town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 27km from Split, is truly the country’s most mindblowing historic epicentre. Trogir is often considered an open museum due to its bounty of architectural must-sees, including a series of Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque and Baroque structures. Walking within the city walls, tourists are treated to an endless stream of street-level sightseeing opportunities, such as the 13th-century Cathedral of St Lawrence, the city Loggia and the Cipiko Palaces.
5 Business Podcasts You Should Be Listening To
Who doesn’t love a podcast? The multitaskers dream, podcasts are an easy and accessible way for us to absorb new information whilst keeping up with our busy work/life schedules. So whether you’re walking the dog, working on that latest project or enduring the daily commute, take joy in the fact that you can always be learning.
Perhaps you’re a budding entrepreneur or maybe looking to turn that side hustle into a flourishing full-time gig? Whatever your current circumstances, here are five cherry-picked business podcasts that you should be listening to right now…
The Diary of a CEO
Host: Steven Bartlett
About: The Diary of a CEO is an unfiltered journey into the remarkable stories of the people that have defined culture, achieved greatness and created stories worth studying.
Sitting down with some of the world’s most influential people, Steven creates the space for raw, honest and emotional dialogue that unearths untold truths, unlearned lessons and important insights, often encouraging his guests to share the things that most ‘interviews’ don’t provide.
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-diary-of-a-ceo-with-steven-bartlett/id1291423644
Ladies Finance Club
Hosts: Molly Benjamin and Lisa Conway-Hughes
About: Brightening up the pale stale world of finance and helping you to get money savvy, the Ladies Finance Club podcast interview guests on a range of personal finance topics using jargon-free language to help listeners understand the world of money and how they can take control of their financial futures. Tune in for invaluable advice on money saving, how to get out of debt, where to invest, how to prepare for retirement and much more.
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ladies-finance-club-uk/id1441919859
How I Built This
Host: Guy Raz
About: Ever wondered how some of the world’s best-known companies became household names? In How I Built This, Guy Raz expertly lifts the lid on global businesses such as Wikipedia, AirBNB, Bumble, Buzzfeed, Spanx and more to highlight the successes, failures, lessons and learnings that got these notable entrepreneurs to where they are today. Far from being just a ‘how-to guide’ for budding entrepreneurs, the How I Built This podcast offers a fascinating insight into some of the biggest brands that make up today’s marketplace.
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297
The Goal Digger Podcast
Host: Jenna Kutcher
About: If you dream of turning your side hustle into a profitable empire then The Goal Digger podcast is for you. What sets Kutcher’s offering apart from the rest is its live-workshop style format that’s jam-packed with actionable step-by-step tips on a host of entrepreneurial topics including social media strategy, business hacks and affiliate marketing. All of which enabled Kutcher to escape the 9-5 hustle and become a self-made millionaire.
Along with invaluable insights, The Goal Digger podcast also features interviews with top women in the industry who generously share their secrets to success.
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-goal-digger-podcast/id1178704872
The Mind Your Business Podcast
Host: James Wedmore
About: As the title suggests, The Mind Your Business Podcast focuses on the correlation between mindset and success. Host James Wedmore, a seven-figure online entrepreneur, provides actionable advice and tips on how to become a successful business owner by honing in on powerful mindfulness techniques such as identifying the root causes of problems, uncovering limiting beliefs and understanding how to attract your ideal audience.
If you’re miffed as to why your hustle and hard work aren’t producing results, this podcast could be the answer to your prayers.
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mind-your-business-podcast/id1074394632?mt=2
Work Flow…With Jane Shepherdson CBE
By Amira Hashish
Jane Shepherdson is a trailblazer in the fashion industry. With more than 20 years of experience as brand director of Topshop and CEO of Whistles, she has a wealth of knowledge to impart and is passionate about nurturing talent.
Having transformed the High Street retailers into global fashion brands, she is using her experience to find a way to enjoy fashion without damaging the planet. She joined rental and resale platform MY WARDROBE HQ in 2019 as Chair and has taken it to new heights.
Also the director of the London Fashion Fund, which champions small businesses to change the future of the industry, she is a true pioneer. We can think of no one more brilliant to kick off our series of Work Flow interviews with inspiring business leaders. Here she joins Amira Hashish in conversation…
What inspired your route into retail?
I’ve always loved fashion, but discovered early on that I didn’t have the talent to actually design clothes so I found the next best thing, which was being a buyer. That entailed working closely with a designer and putting a collection together that would both delight and sell.
Tell us about your latest projects…
Having left traditional retail behind, after realising the incredible environmental harm we were causing, I have moved into fashion rental. I am currently the Chair of MY WARDROBE HQ, a luxury fashion rental platform, which fulfills both my desire to make beautiful designer pieces available to many who could not afford them and to enjoy fashion without harming the planet quite as much.
I’m also a Director of the London Fashion Fund, an organisation that funds small fashion businesses that will change the future of the industry both socially and environmentally. It’s a real privilege to meet and work with super smart entrepreneurs who are changing our relationship with fashion and hopefully the future for all of us. We have invested in businesses who are growing cotton hydroponically using 80% less water. Now we are partnering with the big High Street retailers and even a small business making leather from microbial weaving. It’s a revelation!
What do you love most about what you do?
I really love meeting people with ideas. Especially those who have an idealism and optimism for our future. If I can help them in any small way, I get great satisfaction from that.
If you had to pick a career defining moment what would it be?
Well, this is going back a long way but when we first showed our Topshop Unique collection on the catwalk at London Fashion Week. It was a huge moment for the whole team. We felt that we had proved that Topshop was a hotbed of creativity and that we had gained huge credibility within the industry.
How do you manage your time?
I’m not brilliant at managing my time and consequently I like to get things done as soon as possible, which doesn’t always work. I feel like I am always rushing but perhaps that’s the way I work best?
Do you have any advice for those keen to follow in your footsteps?
Only do something you are passionate about. Don’t just follow the money. This is your life, you have to engage with it fully.
What’s the biggest lesson you have learned along the way?
The best thing that you can do is to surround yourself with people who are absolutely brilliant at what they do. Don’t fear their brilliance, bask in the reflected glow of it.
Who has been the most influential person in your career?
I’m not sure there has been one person who has influenced me but I have been hugely influenced and astonished by the talent and creativity of those in my team. I have learned so much from them.
How has the fashion landscape changed over the years and what does the future of the British High Street look like?
The fashion landscape has changed almost unrecognisably in the last five years. The combination of e-commerce and Covid has meant that we have all changed the way that we interface with brands and they have had to catch up. Visiting a High Street store is no longer necessary, so their presence has to offer something more than a physical representation of an online store. We expect experiences, a showcase, theatre and visual stimulation. In my opinion, we aren’t getting much of that yet, but things are changing.
Where do you go to get away from it all?
I love to travel. I took a year out and did a road trip around the West Coast of America a couple of years ago. I spent all my time hiking, canoeing and generally exploring the incredible physical landscapes the US has to offer. I’m off to Corsica for the month of June. We are driving there with our dog, Dexter. We will be stopping in Paris for a few days, Nice for a weekend, and then going back through the Alps or walking in flower-filled meadows. Contrast is everything.