If you plan to travel to Japan soon and you’re not among the faint of heart, you might want to visit the Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park that just added a very special new attraction: the world’s steepest roller coaster. The so-called Takabisha [JP] accelerates to 100 km/h, has a 43m drop and a 121-degree freefall.

The Japanese roller coaster beat the former record holder, the Le Timber Drop in France, which measures “just” 113.1 degrees.

Fuji Q Highland invested $37 million in the development of the Takabisha. One ride takes 112 seconds and costs $12.50.

Here’s what it’s like to ride it:

When on holiday, I love to find a hidden gem that’s a little off the beaten track. I wouldn’t normally do a review on a takeaway, but this one is definitely deserving a mention.

It’s becoming quite rare these days to find a traditional fish and chip shop that has not also become a Chinese takeaway or kebab house. Ocean View is as traditional as they come – with a simple menu comprising of fish, sausages, pies, chicken and a selection of burgers.

The place is located on 1 Newport Road, Ventnor and is up at the top of the hill overlooking the main town. It also has amazing sea views (hence the name!).

ALL food ordered at Ocean View is cooked on order – nothing has been sat there for ages slowing drying up, it’s all freshly prepared when you order. Because of this, there is a little wait for your food, but it’s determinately worth it and you can phone orders through.

When we visited they offered a selection of fish comprising of Cod, Haddock, Place, Fish bites and fish cakes. There are a small selection of “pukka pies” and sausages can be ordered battered. They also serve “proper” mushy peas.

Despite it’s location, it gets very busy – seemingly though word of mouth as it’s not in a location I would think many tourists would stumble across.

It’s a “must do” for anyone staying in the area and the only downside I can think of is that it’s not my local chippy!

The Fidgetwith’s have just returned from a fantastic self catering holiday on the wonderful Isle of Wight. We stayed at nearby Whitwell.

Besty & Spiky’s is located at the end of the Esplanade right on the sea front in the BlueOcean Quay building. On first impressions the place looked clean and tidy, the menu looked very good and the prices very reasonable.

The menu offers something for everyone and they also offer an all day breakfast comprising of Egg (cooked how you want it), bacon, sausage, tomato, beans, mushrooms and hash browns. Complete with Toast and tea or coffee for just £4.95. They also do a children’s version for about £3.00.

Service was very friendly and fast – food only taking around 5 minutes to come out. You get a real feel that the team are passionate about what they do and nothing is too much trouble. The quality of the food was also excellent.

A little research about the place shows that they used to be based further up the esplanade at the Ventnor Bay Cafe, a dated looking place next to the Amusement arcade. It seems the owner of that cafe became greedy and saw what a success the lads had made of the place and decided to take control of it back. It seems the locals supported Besty & Spinky and moved their custom to the new place (with good reason!).

If you are ever in the area, make sure you call in for a bite to eat, it’s highly recommended.