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Discovering the floating cities

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Rural villages suspended over the water, floating cities reminiscent of the novel by Jules Verne “A floating city” , true spectacles of nature and man. They are the strangest islands in the world, autonomous villages, often rural that survive thanks to fishing, agriculture and tourism. Here are the strangest (and most beautiful) floating islands and cities in the world.

Island of Loreto, Lake Iseo
The island of Loreto rises in Lake Iseo , north of Montisola, and is privately owned. The island is registered in the census map of Siviano, a fraction of the Municipality of Monte Isola. There is also a campsite here, a nice place to relax. A curiosity: in this magical island a good extra virgin olive oil is produced Dop and the delicious salami of Montisola, obtained with the techniques of the past.

Halong Bay, floating village, Vietnam
Locals live mainly thanks to the seafood. Most of the island has a rocky consistency, so it cannot be cultivated. Halong Bay is very rich in fish and seafood. Locals live in real floating houses.

Uros Floating Village, Peru
Around the city of Puno , in southern Peru, there are more than 60 small floating villages on Lake Titicaca , all made exclusively with natural resources from the Uros population. Using canes, or Quechua ‘Totora’ (a very strong aquatic plant), temporary houses are built that float above. Sometimes the tide laps the houses so that new layers of reeds are needed to fortify the houses.

Flores, Guatemala
Flores is a municipality in Guatemala whose historic center is located on an island in Lake Peten Itza, connected by bridge to the mainland. Many visit Flores due to its proximity to Tikal , the most famous Mayan ruins in Guatemala, or use the city as a starting point for excursions in Petén. However, it is a very peaceful and charming place.

Wuzhen, China
Located in the center of the six ancient cities south of the Yangtze River, Wuzhen shows its history through its ancient stone bridges. The main attraction is the “Bridge of a Bridge” , formed by two ancient bridges, the Tongji Bridge, which crosses the river from east to west and the Renji Bridge that goes from south to north. One of the two bridges can be seen through the arch of the other, hence the name.

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The inventions that have revolutionized the world of travel

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Knowing new cultures, discovering countries and distant cities, enriching your knowledge: traveling for millions of people is a dream and a reason for living. Today, ever faster (and low cost) airplanes , new means of transport and the latest technologies allow us to travel much more easily, so much so that in modern times we have almost forgotten some inventions which, in their own small way , they revolutionized the world of travel.

Few people know, for example, that the first suitcase was made in 1890, when Louis Vuitton designed some trunks to transport personal effects and clothes into ships. In 1914 , the first commercial flight was made in Florida : the destination was Tampa Bay, reached in 23 minutes with a ticket cost of $ 400.

In 1970, the ancestor of the trolley arrived, the “rolling luggage” , a suitcase that could be easily transported thanks to the wheels, while three years later the travel guide appeared. The most famous? Routard and Lonely Planet. In 1987, Amadeus was born , the first system created by Air France, Iberia, Lufthansa and SAS to connect airport and travel agency systems with consumer service providers.

In 1994 two-dimensional BEER / QR codes appeared to identify travel documents , while in 2005 Google inaugurated Google Maps for the first time , allowing anyone to view maps of the world online. In the nineties the world of travel changes completely: the first online travel agencies are born, but above all the possibility of online check-in is insertedand the Passenger Name Record (PNR) makes its debut, that is the identification in the database of a reservation system for the personal information of a passenger and the itinerary. Finally in 2012 on the roads of Las Vegas he completes his first test a vehicle with completely autonomous driving obtaining a certificate from the motorization of the state of Nevada.

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The most picturesque villages of Europe to visit at Christmas time

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There are places that, during the Christmas period , light up to look like living cribs . They are those villages or small villages that, with the snow and the Christmas markets , become even more suggestive. So worth a trip.

Colmar, France
It is one of the most picturesque towns in the Alps and is located in the Alsace region . It is famous for its half-timbered houses which become even more picturesque in winter with Christmas lights. From November 21 to December 23 also in Colmar are held in traditional Christmas Markets . Located in the historic center, the markets are tastefully decorated and give each square a unique atmosphere. An opportunity to discover the architectural heritage that made it famous.

Bruges, Belgium
Already fascinating with its old buildings reflected in the canals, at Christmas Bruges becomes magical . The illuminated profiles of the houses make it very romantic. The ice rink encourages anyone to wear skates. Inevitable are the market on the Markt where to do Christmas shopping and the markets of Stevinplein and Walplein , from November 22nd to January 2nd. Don’t miss the Ice Sculpture Festival ‘Land of the Hobbits’.

Hallstatt, Austria
The most romantic time to visit one of the most beautiful villages in Europe is winter. In Hallstatt everything is covered with snow and only the fumes are seen coming out of the pointed chimneys. The historic town overlooking the lake is dedicated to Christmas traditions. In addition to the Christmas Markets, the most beloved party is that of December 20 ( Krambamperl Brennen , the Fire of Thomas) and Santa Claus , here, does not arrive drawn by reindeer, but on a boat sailing on the lake.

Magdeburg, Germany
The capital of the Land, with a history of over 1,200 years , shines in the light of the Christmas market in the setting of the historic town hall with the famous Knight of Magdeburg . Not only are children fascinated by the environment, but also adults. During Advent in the basement of the fortress Mark there is much to discover: first in the modern Advent market with its bright colors and then in the more refined historical one.

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The priory in Rennes-le-Château and the mysteries of the Templars

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Rennes-le-Château is a village of about three hundred inhabitants located in the department of Aude, in Languedoc , in the south of France. Known for the incredible mysteries that hover over such a small village. Just recently the TV program Voyager has dedicated a very detailed service to him.

It all began November 6, 1244, when François Pierre d’Hautpoul, Marquis of Blanchefort and lord of Rennes-le-Château made a will and had it recorded by the notary Captier of Esperanza. The will speaks of a state secret.

The d’Hautport-Blanchefort family boasted, among its ancestors, a member of the Order of the Templars : Bertrand Blanchefort, sixth Grand Master of the Knights Templar . It seems that this has had a great impact on the dense mysteries and on the deaths that took place in this place over time.

Even the engraving on an ordeal, made in 1981, shows the writing ” Christus AOMPS Defendit “. Many read in these lines the motto of the Priory of Sion (the one spoken of in the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown): ” Christus Antiquus Ordo Misticusque Prioratus Sionus Defendit ” or “Christ defends the ancient mystical order of the priory of Zion” . We would therefore speak of the Order of the Templars and of a series of cases linked to the discovery of documents and objects that occurred over time.

On June 1, 1885, the abbot François Bérenger Saunière was appointed parish priest of the country. In order to find the documents of his brothers he then began an activity that we can consider quite disturbing: the nocturnal profanation of tombs . Some witnesses claimed to have seen him take the direction of Rennes-les-Bains, cross the “Wood of the Dead Man” and reach the “Pierre du pain”, where it was said the devil had left the imprint of his hand.

Aberrant stories in the South of France, and many testimonies. A series of murders related to this village after the death of the prelate: the abbot Gélis, friend and confidant of Saunière, will be killed and found with his head broken. His tomb, oriented towards Rennes-le-Château, bears a symbol of the Rosicrucians . In the night between 14 and 15 February 1987 the tomb of Saunière was also desecrated. For those wishing to learn about the mystery of the Templars this small French village is just the beginning of a world to discover. Starting from the Italian municipality of Rosazza , in the province of Biella, also called the Italian Rennes-le-Château.

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Do you prefer the window seat? What this choice says about you

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The world is divided into two categories of people: those who love the window seat and those who prefer the place near the corridor. The former would have character traits in common: they would be more selfish, control-loving and easily irritable. It was Mark Vanhoenacker, pilot of the British Aiways and author of the book “How to Land a Plane” , to underline the rift: “When I ask friends to describe what kind of passengers they are (window or corridor?) They answer me with such safety to make me think that they made this decision for the first time on board an airplane “.

As the Telegraph reports , the choice would not be dictated by chance, but by a certain character propensity. According to Dr. Becky Spelman, psychologist at the Private Therapy Clinicof Harley Street, passengers who prefer the corridor would have a more introverted and reserved nature and would generally be less irritable and more sensible than others. Their decision could also hide “weaknesses”: it could have been dictated by a problem of claustrophobia or anxiety. Those who choose, instead, the window seat could have an opposite nature, much more selfish: “Passengers who choose the place next to the window tend to face life with a mentality of the sort ‘each for himself'”, explained Dr. Spelman at Telegraph Travel. And he added: “These people like to look after their own nest and live in their own bubble”.

Jo Hemmings, a behavioral psychologist, also agrees: “Lovers of sitting by the window tend to be more selfish, and since they are less anxious, they are also more likely to bother others.” Passengers seated next to the corridor would, instead, be more courteous, available, even if – just because of the presence of the corridor – less likely to let themselves go to a good sleep on the plane.

Although it is plausible that not everyone recognizes this description, what is certain is that everyone has his favorite place on the plane, which he reluctantly renounces. And that everyone is ready to draw different arguments in favor of one or the other session.

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27 things I learned while traveling

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Traveling you learn. I love doing it. As soon as I can, I try to get to know a new place to visit. Maybe as far away from home as possible. In cars, trains, airplanes or ships, it does not matter. It is important to see different realities, to feel different tastes and smells, to lose oneself by listening to a language that is not known.

This is what I learned during my travels:

– Not everyone speaks English well as we are convinced. Some do not even know it.
– Ask for directions to someone from the place will not be technological but still works well.
– You can live without a mobile phone, Whatsapp and everything else.
– Wi-Fi, however, is a great invention.
– You do not have to eat Italian abroad.
– The real traveler is seen by the ability to “go to the bathroom” everywhere.
– Observing the lives of others is learning.
– Going on a cruise does not mean traveling.
– Low cost flights allow you to travel by spending a little. Unfortunately this applies to everyone.
– To understand where to eat well, just follow the locals.
– The wallet is filled with coins that we will never be able to spend.
– Time zone is a problem just to call your mother.
– There are better things than we have in Italy.
– There are worse things than we have in Italy.
– The world is not as small as they say.
– There are local laws and customs to be respected.
– Walking is a great way to get to know places and people.
– When you are too tired you can sleep anywhere.
– Carrying a backpack is always a good solution.
– Wearing comfortable shoes is essential.
– If you sleep in a place with breakfast included you should eat it as if there was no tomorrow.
– Always meet someone who tells you: “Italian? Mafia, spaghetti and mandolin.”.
– Italian football still retains its charm.
– There is someone who gets in line to get on the plane three hours before for fear of not being able to climb despite having a numbered ticket.
– We use public transport with serenity.
– We make millions of photos that we will never watch.
– Coming back home after being away for a long time and resting your head on your pillow makes you feel like a real traveler.

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10 reasons + one (all Italian) for which it is worth visiting Monaco

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Beyond the Oktoberfest. Art, murals, photography, street markets, fusion cuisine, sports, hipster neighborhoods and the rainbow. Munich is always more surprising: tradition and folklore give space to a city that is full of events and ideas of all kinds. This is Germany that fascinates young professionals and culture enthusiasts. It has an elegant and distinct character that is perceived in various nuances, from the architectures and the clubs. Monaco collects exciting places, activities and cultural proposals. It already happens when you arrive at the Franz Josef Strauss airport, with excellent bars and the possibility, sometimes, to stop and watch an exhibition.

This is the case of the faces of the fishermen of Monopoli captured in black & white by the lens of the young portrait photographer Piero Martinello, the same shots that last September inaugurated the first edition of the international festival of photography PhEST , in Monopoli, Puglia.

And then the excellent German beer, an integral part of the local culture, to be tasted in chic and alternative places for an experience that becomes practically obligatory if you want a food and wine tour. Led by the tourist office and marketing of this city, here are ten good reasons to visit Monaco.

PIERO MARTINELLO

PIERO MARTINELLO
1) The historic center on foot

Marienplatz stop. It is the main square, the most loved by tourists. The first recommended if you travel to Munich for business and you want to immerse yourself in the heart of the city between shopping, photos and relaxation in the various squares, galleries and clubs. During the day, the main attraction is the carillon of the new town hall, which starts at 11 and 12 (in the summer also at 5 pm) and moves the characters to the notes of a melody typical of little mobile phones. All with their noses upwards to admire the dance. In the center there are also the “Frauenkirche” cathedral and the Hofbräuhaus, the most famous brewery in Munich.

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A company employs people with no experience to send to Dubai for 233 thousand euros a year

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It is not necessary to have any previous experience in the sales sector to be hired with a contract of 200 thousand pounds a year (equal to about 233 thousand euros) and be sent to Dubai to carry out the dream job. As reported by the British Coventry Telegraph , in fact, a real estate agency in Coventry – but based in the United Arab Emirates – is looking for new agents for the sale of luxury homes in Dubai, promising a really attractive pay.

The salary – almost £ 17,000 a month – is tax-free and the company ( Allsopp & Allsopp ) will help new members of the team find a home near the office. Selling effectively is a quality that is learned only over time, believe the heads of the real estate agency, and that’s why the recruiter will also evaluate the curriculum of those who have no experience in the field.

The fundamental characteristic that candidates will have to show they have is the radiance and enthusiasm for the job. “We have exciting expansion plans for Dubai and we look for specific resources and that in the last two years have achieved important sales targets (not necessarily in real estate)” specifies who manages human resources for the company.

After all, let Allsopp & Allsopp know that all employees have the opportunity to grow within the company and to earn even 300 thousand pounds a year.

The job announcement for Dubai does not appear on the agency’s website , but on November 14th a day was organized to collect CVs and find out who is interested in the position in person. If the offer does not mind you, however, know that you will have to make a plane ticket to Liverpool, the city where the talks will take place.

If you are not able to enter the “dream team”, do not worry: Allsopp & Allsopp also hires consultants with a salary base pay of 75 thousand pounds a year. In short, if the real estate world does not mind, you know where to send your application.

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In the city of Christopher Columbus … a lot of poetry

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Strolling along lanes lit by vintage-style led signs you can see at every intersection the Madonnette in the votive aedicules, so I immerse myself in a day dedicated to the discovery of the city of lanterns: Genoa .

After a quick visit to the ancient port, with a very commercial appearance, complete with a movie set sailboat and an inevitable submarine, this time authentic because here in Genoa there is the Galata Museo del Mare , the largest and most innovative maritime museum in the Mediterranean. dedicated to the age-old relationship between man and the sea.

We leave the port and enter the historical center.

Go up and down curious and fast among the carruggi, the characteristic streets of Genoa, which gives you back the mood of the city: fast but not too much, relaxed but not too much. A city that is the fusion of other cities and many different styles. The sixth largest city in Italy by geographical density, enclosed by differences in height, poetry, lanterns and lots of sea.

PATRIZIA RENZETTI
Here you eat fish, focaccia, Recco’s, but above all you can stock up on dishes seasoned with Pra ‘pesto, because only in Pra’ the basil grows with small, small and flavorful leaves!

Columbus was born here and grew up , the greatest explorer of all centuries. Visiting his house, with many original elements such as walls, floors and some beams is exciting! Columbus reached the Americas four times and to think that he did it by the means of that time is unbelievable!

PATRIZIA RENZETTI
Let’s start our tour …

From the district of Carruggi: Vico closed the Rana, Vico Cicala, Vico of the Stoppieri … even the names have their charm and certainly their story! One of the largest and most diverse neighborhoods I’ve ever been able to visit. A succession of houses and palaces showing eras and styles, from the late Middle Ages to the nineteenth century through enchanting churches, sumptuous palaces recognized as a World Heritage Site and museums. We reach the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its black and white stones, a beautiful staircase and the marble lions next to it.

… And then you can not miss the “living room” of Genoa, the Via Garibaldi! Its buildings tell the story of the city and remind those who do not know, what was the power of Genoa. A walk through time through the Palazzo dei Rolli, the Palazzo Rosso where the violins of the Paganini master are kept, and the Palazzo Bianco. From Via Garibaldi you can reach both the funicular to visit the Righi and the lift for the elegant Spianata Castelletto that offers a breathtaking view of the city, and is an opportunity to appreciate the city of the Doges from the hills and not only from the sea.

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5 reasons why I invest in travel, not in objects

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If my mother read this post, she probably would not talk to me for a long time. My mother-in-law affectionately called us “the maniacs of the journey”. And I understand that. I am sure that their generation, in general, has grown with different values. Home, car, furniture, jewelry and savings were all of primary importance and a way to show their status, success and achievements. Do not get me wrong, all these things are still important (and I wish more people could afford the material pleasures of this life without sacrifice and budget planning). However, my generation gradually begins to approach another kind of mentality – where experiences count more than things. Priorities are moving from accumulating objects to accumulating experiences.

My husband and I are just a couple with an average income, who tries to live to the fullest and create memories that will last forever. Given the choice and budget limits, I’d rather drive a simple car but go on vacation four times a year, rather than say no to a trip and spend the next ten years paying me a Mercedes, just to show off my status. In addition, we have established immediately that we would prefer to spend an eye on a Michelin-star restaurant, instead of wasting money to exchange gifts.

You will think mine is an obsession, and perhaps you are right too. I prefer to define it as a passion. In both cases, the symptoms are clear: I feel suffocated if I stay in the same place for more than three months; I need my escapes during the weekend (near or far); I plan holidays for one or two years; I dedicate myself to a meticulous research and prepare detailed itineraries for each trip; CondeNast Traveler, Culture Trip, National Geographic and Travel + Leisure have become my bibles; I also frequent sites like booking.com just to daydream all those wonderful destinations around the world.

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Where to sleep in Boston

Travel & Tours

During my last trip to Boston , I opted for Couchsurfing and I met Bruce the green python. But that’s another story … This time, I opted for a hostel and especially for the HI-Boston , very well located near Chinatown.

Opened just a year ago, the HI-Boston replaces the formerly popular Boston Youth Hostel created in 1980. Located on historic foundations, the property has been completely new and follows ecological standards. The hostel is in the process of obtaining LEED certification. It has about 480 beds. The values ​​at the heart of the establishment are therefore respect for the environment and a sense of community. For the environment, for example, you will notice during your stay the strong emphasis on recycling, non-waste of energy, ventilation, etc. The materials used for construction are also entirely environmentally friendly and the chairs have been made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles, for example. Throughout the building you will find QR codes, which will allow you to use your smartphone to make an ecological guided tour of the place. Sense of community too, because in addition to travelers, the local community is invited to participate in the life of the hostel, whether through meetings, conventions or local volunteers who organize activities with the local people. travelers (guided tours of the city, free yoga classes, etc.).

During my stay in Boston, I had the opportunity to test a private room with bathroom for a few days, as well as two dormitories. The private room, decorated in green tones with bamboo, was very relaxing and comfortable and had a nice view of the city. Plush bed and very clean room with all necessary amenities (coffee and tea, TV, etc.)

The dorms are also very comfortable and clean and the shared but private bathrooms are very clean. The only complaint I would make is the ventilation. Like many hostels in the United States, it is not possible to open the windows and the ventilation is constantly running. In the dormitories in Boston, (unlike private rooms) it is not adjustable, so it can be rather cold and it is especially very noisy. Even if your classmates do not snore, you will probably need ear plugs.

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FINNISH SUICIDES WITH FRIENDS

Travel & Tours

From Finland I know very little. Of his literature even less. When it came time to choose a Finnish book for this new edition of the Destination Challenge , I had no choice but to turn to a book I had in my library of a very known.

Arto Paasilina is a major author of Finnish literature . In this novel, he chooses to approach the theme of suicide(knowing that the average of suicides in Finland is quite high) and the country’s gloom.

He begins his novel as follows: The most formidable enemies of the Finns are melancholy, sadness, apathy. An unfathomable lassitude hovers over this unfortunate people and has been bending for thousands of years under its yoke, forcing its soul to blackness and gravity. The weight of pessimism is such that many see death as the only remedy for their anguish. Spleen is a more ruthless adversary than the Soviet Union. But the Finns are a nation of warriors. They do not capitulate. They rebel again and again against tyranny . A first paragraph that summarizes very well the history of the book.

The subject may seem very dark, but the author approaches it with cynicism, black humor and a creaky tone, thus making the book much more tasty. The novel and its characters are completely crazy and will take you on an extraordinary journey through the Nordic countries and Europe.

President Oni Rellonen and colonnel Hermanni Kemppainen are both trying to commit suicide on a beautiful spring day in the same barn. Saving each other and arguing vehemently about this absurd situation, they decide by mutual agreement to postpone their suicides. After a few drinks, they decided to form a sort of club, which all candidates for suicide in Finland could join, to discuss freely their misfortunes, suicide and perhaps to organize an effective and striking collective suicide. They will gradually recruit new members and end up with a whole gallery of amazing characters aboard a luxury bus, to travel across Europe, to find the best place to commit suicide together.

The novel is completely absurd and we take pleasure in discovering the author’s writing and cynicism. Some daring passages made me smile a lot. However, that does not go far enough for my taste. Candidates for suicide are a little too sober in their actions (despite drinking and brawling) and the book is sometimes a little too moralizing . Fortunately, it is a pleasure to be part of this somewhat original journey and discover Finnish customs en route, before embarking on more exotic lands. Reading this novel, I had the impression of reliving my Swedish year, with sauna, lakes and wilderness, reindeer stew and reindeer crossing the road, cranberry jams, festivals of the Saint John … It made me very nostalgic. This trip will take you all around Finland, to Portugal, via Norway, Sweden, Germany, France and Switzerland.

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Backstage in Oudenaarde

Travel & Tours

The sun goes down and the view is beautiful from above. The lights of the festival light up, the setting is beautiful and the lake sparkles, while the crowd of festival-goers flutter down. I would stay a few moments more to enjoy the magic of this festival, up there, in suspension, quiet. But suddenly there is a lot of water falling on us. We go down quickly and take refuge under the electro tent. How time is changing in Belgium! We enjoy the music and dance a little. At 9pm, go with a Spanish blogger, Neonized and lead the pop-rock scene for Black Box Revelation !

I discover, I love and I dance! Long live the festivals in Belgium!After the concert, go backstage with the organizer of the festival. We chat a little and they take us to the artists’ area. The lodges, the restaurant and especially the stage! Here we are backstage and the Dandy Warhols are playing on stage. I can not believe how lucky I was, since it was the group I really wanted to see! We will see the whole concert in VIP area, taking full eyes and ears! A truly magical and privileged moment, with the Dandy Warhols who set the scene on fire!

We are recovering from our emotions by a second big wheel ride, by night this time, but in the rain again. We are cursed! The rain decided to settle for the rest of the night. A little tour to the DJ scene and the cold pushes us to leave. It’s 2am, Tine brings me back to the B & B for a good night’s sleep.

In the morning, a royal breakfast greets me before I already say goodbye to Oudenaarde, en route to my next destination, Mechelen .

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Oudenaarde in Flemish Belgium

Travel & Tours

I arrive at my first meeting point, at the Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen brewery , decorated and dedicated to cycling, just like the museum. There are also some bikers seated there. So I take my place, getting ready to enjoy a good Belgian meal. Unfortunately, if the atmosphere was super nice and original, the wait was long. I think the two waiters were really overwhelmed by all the cyclists, the festivalgoers who stopped in large numbers, me and also many tourists who seemed to take part in an orienteering race. That makes a lot. The wait was worth it and I enjoyed a succulent Flemish Carbonnade , a raspberry beer and a good waffle.. Welcome to Belgium!

I enjoy some free time to explore the city. Oudenaarde is a quiet town and there does not seem to be much going on there. But this weekend, the young festival-goers have invaded the streets and we can say that it moves. The terraces are full, it screams, it laughs and we hear in the distance the first guitar chords. 16h soon, the festival and the first concerts of the day will begin.

I take a bus to my accommodation, a B & B a little out of the way. Despite the impoliteness and impatience of the driver, I manage to find my stop and trudge to the B & B, the Hof ter Kammen , which seems a little off the festival and downtown. It will be complicated. I am very welcome and I settle in a charming room. Everything is in the effigy of cycling . Bikes, decorations, photographs …. The family is a fan of cycling and welcomes cyclists from all over the world on the roads of Belgium. That night, Australian cyclists were sleeping there.

Feest in het park

The owner of the B & B has the incredible kindness to take me to the festival by car. Phew, saved to go, I

In front of the Oudenaarde Eye

In front of the Oudenaarde Eye

would not have to walk for an hour! So here I am at Feest in het Park , a small festival organized entirely by volunteers for 17 years ! The style of music is varied and is divided into four scenes: DJ scenes, electro, ska, reggae and pop-rock.

So I found on arrival at the VIP area , Tine, my buddy festival , sent by Tourisme Flandres. We chat and explore the festival a bit. We meet a friend of hers, a volunteer, artist’s chauffeur, Kevin. The opportunity to go to ask, chat a little and get to know each other in the VIP area. A cozy bar with sofas, clean toilets, stars and a TV for lazy people … this is the VIP privilege! We meet Isi and Andrés . They won an online contest and tour the Flanders festivals in mini-van! What an incredible chance! So we all go for a ride on the ”  Oudenaarde Eye “.

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CYCLING AND POP IN OUDENAARDE

Travel & Tours

So here I am back from Belgium , memories full of head and notes of music resonating still in the ears. There is nothing to say, this bloggers trip was just perfect for me. Discovery, live concerts , independence and meetings. All that I love.

Destination Oudenaarde

Wake very early Saturday to take the Eurostar at the station of Saint-Pancras to Brussels. I’m already Oudenaarde Town Hallexcited. A little stressed too, because everything went too fast and I feel less prepared than when I organize the trip myself. And then, I did not want to disappoint Tourism Flanders , so no need to be tired during these three days. I change my train at Brussels-noon . The station is pretty shabby on the docks. I take a comfortable two-level regional train to Oudenaarde. Hardly, let us leave Brussels that the advertisements are no longer made in French. Chic, I will be able to train my ear to the Dutchman. I understand (thanks to my years of learning German and Swedish), but I am of course unable to get out three words, except “thank you” that I probably say with a German accent!

So I arrive at 12:30 to Oudenaarde (or Oudenaarde), a small quiet town in the heart of Flanders of about 30,000 inhabitants. The city is best known for its local beer and for cycling and the Tour of Flanders , since it is the city of departure each year. When I arrive that day, the flea market is in full swing. I try to fight my way and not to lose myself by pulling my last suitcase behind me. I realize then that I have probably made a very bad choice of luggage. A suitcase on wheels in a country where all cities have paved streets … what an idea! Chouc, chch, chch, chch … nothing better to be noticed …

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BORDEAUX, IS ON THE SOUTH WEST OF FRANCE

Travel & Tours

I speak very little about France on this blog and it’s a shame. I had the opportunity in the past to travel through France in all directions and even if I have fled in recent years for other countries, France deserves all the same that we do justice to it.

Let me talk to you today about this city. I lived a large part of my childhood south of Charente-Maritime, an hour from Bordeaux. So I had the opportunity to go there many times, to visit friends or family, see concerts, go shopping, celebrate the New Year, go to festivals or cinema … My visits This city have never been purely touristy, but it gave me a good overview of the city.

I never wanted to live there, because I always found the city a little arrogant and the inhabitants a little too proud to be Bordeaux … However, it is a dynamic and pleasant city which will charm all the visitors. Do not miss it during a short tour of France or if you want to program a city break.

Lunch on the terrace in Bordeaux

Lunch on the terrace in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the gateway to the southwest and is a very good introduction to the south of France. The weather is nice, the accent of the inhabitants is singing and we like good food and obviously good wine. Moreover, if you go through Bordeaux, do not hesitate to leave the city and go for a walk in the vineyards and taste different wines in the cellars of Bordeaux (to Saint-Emilion for example). The city is full of nice restaurants and bars; but I had two small favorites: the cassolette for its originality and the delicious food and The Blarney Stone , a typical Irish pub to enjoy delicious jacked potatoes, pies and burgers at very low prices.

If you are more shopping than gastronomy, St. Catherine Street will delight you. More than a kilometer long, it is often described as the longest shopping street in Europe. A good part of the street is pedestrian, which will allow you to spend a day shopping without clutter! I am not very shopping, but a passage in Bordeaux is never complete for me without a visit to Mollat , a huge independent bookstore. There is something for every taste. It’s a little paradise this bookstore …

Level of entertainment, Bordeaux is a big city and will offer you everything you can desire. But to make more local, why not go to support the football team Girondins de Bordeaux at the stadium?

Some will remember Bordeaux as a dark, dirty and unwelcoming city. But in the city center and some neighborhoods, this is definitely not the case. The city has been refurbished, restored and renovated in recent years. A beautiful tram allows you to visit the city from side to side. This restoration of the city has highlighted a remarkable architecture and an important historical heritage. The cathedral, the churches, the charming narrow streets with white facades, the impressive Haussmanian buildings, the cute little squares, the quays, the bridges, the Gironde, the numerous city gates and especially the Port of the Moon classified as a World Heritage Site. Unesco. The water mirror has become a tourist attraction, whether to run in the water and cool off on a hot summer day or simply admire the reflections of the city on the ground at night … It’s good just to walk in the city, in stopping at the terrace of a cafe to observe passers-by …

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How to Dirnk Coffee Abroad

Travel & Tours

Morning coffee is of utmost importance for many people. It is a real concern to get and take coffee anywhere as well as to enjoy various styles and kinds of coffee offered by baristas. Preparation methods and ingredients vary across geographical locations for coffee. Particularly, brewing instruments and espresso makers are different along with preparation methods.

The most common ingredients for coffee in any part of the world are espresso, milk, boiling water, and a desired amount of sugar. Coffee on the go and a travel light coffee device are the two things that travelers wish to have. The world’s most popular coffee versions are latte, cappuccino, and macchiato. Soft drink coffee delights come with whipped cream, vanilla, and ice cubes.

There are some trendy portable coffee solutions that are cost effective and do not compensate for quality. If you want to prepare coffee on your own in a hotel or travel destination, snatch the following quirky tips.

French Press

It has a stainless steel plunger with a mesh filter that extracts coffee’s aromatic syrup with its subtle flavors. It is a simple brewing solution for coffee enthusiasts, the arrangement of which needs only hot water poured over coarse coffee powder. Then you may have your delicious cup of coffee in just 4 to 5 min. It is easy to carry and prepare your hot coffee anywhere.

Travel Mug or Thermos Sip Bottle

Taking coffee without spill on the road is another question. How about a thermos flask that can carry coffee without spill and retain its heat? A travel mug or a thermos sip bottle is one that serves this purpose. It is sturdy, false proof, watertight, and lightweight.

Gas-Fueled Stove for Liquids

A pressurized cooking gas stove for liquids is ideal for camping and trekking. It consists of a fuel gas tank topped with a metal canister. Coffee enthusiasts may grab a hot cup of coffee along the countryside or on a craggy base of a mountain with the pristine sunrise views.

Thin Metal Carafe Coffee Maker

This is a brewing device consisting of a glass carafe, plunger, and a reusable microfilter. It glimmers bright on road. Unlike a French press, no grits are formed in the coffee due to the microfilter. This tee-up system is lightweight, portable, and slip resistant.

Burr Grinder

Coffee beans may be ground with a burr grinder. The cheaper one is a conical burr grinder. It is a device that pulverizes beans into fine ground powder. Roasted beans, water, temperature, and brewing time are involved while grounding coffee with a burr grinder.

Coffee Styles and Flavors

The impact of geography on coffee is profound. Baristas in decent coffee shops in various geographical regions use their regional methods of preparing coffee to offer a cult. Some top countries in terms of coffee quality and flavors are Brazil, Hawaii, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Coffee has the characteristics of acidity and bitterness. The most common coffee species are Robusta and Arabica, the former being bitter than the latter due to more caffeine content.

Brazilian coffee is processed using dry and wet methodologies with distinct blending process. It is of high quality with less acidity and more sweetness. Hawaiian kona coffee is also world famous, which is medium roasted and has mild delicate texture. Both are fresh highland produces and can relish with exotic flavors.

Vietnamese use Robusta beans and prepare coffee with condensed milk, so it is sweet. French coffee is similar to it, but they use boiled milk instead. Italians have a cultural taboo to follow one cappuccino, which is dark with double espresso and steamed milk foam, and rest espressos throughout a day. Baristas in Italy serve coffee with water. Turkish coffee pot is the most famous simple method that involves fine ground espresso, coffee pot, boiling water, and milk. Terrefacto in Barcelona is a method of adding sugar during roasting. It is even eerie to hear that Scandinavians, Turks, and Hungarians use salt to lessen the bitterness in coffee, yet it tastes awesome.

Have barista delights and portable coffee solutions in your coffee tour! You will suggest these valuable points to your friends.

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Traveling to Argentina? Must-See Landscapes

Travel & Tours

Argentina is a country of varying landscapes from jungles and deserts to mountain ranges and wetlands, encompassing vast natural beauty. It is the eighth largest country in the world. It is home to the Great Andes, glacial lakes, beaches, historic sites, wildlife, and gaucho culture.

The most favorable seasons for visiting Argentina are spring and autumn. Here are some handpicked must-see landscapes in Argentina.

Iguazu Waterfalls

This is truly the most beautiful and spectacular landscape in Argentina. It is a series of waterfalls located near the Iguazu River covering the border between Brazil and Argentina. The waterfall is surrounded by exuberant forests with a lot of wildlife. Both the falls and the forest are protected as Iguazu National park. This place is a heaven on earth with breathtaking views, excellent walkways, and adventurous boat rides.

Mendoza

Mendoza is the land of Latin America’s largest wine production. It is one of the most famous tourist spot for its prolific vineyards and Mt. Aconcagua. Mendoza offers beautiful scenic outdoor adventures like hiking, river rafting, climbing, and horseback rides. The main square is the center of Mendoza having many restaurants, shops, and licensed breweries for different budgets.

Mar del Plata

This coastal city is located in the southeast part of Buenos Aires region and has a string of beach resorts. The city boasts some exotic sandy beaches the country has to offer and so is one of the most popular tourist spots. As it is crowded in summer, prefer to travel to this destination during off-summer periods.

Perito Moreno Glacier

This boisterous glacier is situated in the Los Glaciares National Park in the Santa Cruz Province of Argentina. Since the inception of the National Park, this place has become a teeming tourist spot visited by millions of tourists. The glacier presents a spectacular view of cracking and thunderous boom of blocks of ice breaking away. El Calafate, a small town, is the starting point for the visit to this magnificent glacier. The town was unknown before the starting of the National park, but now it has good souvenir shops and some nice restaurants.

Ibera Wetlands

The second largest wetlands in the world after Brazil’s Pantanal, Ibera is home to anacondas, howler monkeys, caimans, armadillos, and many other species. Having more than 350 rare bird species, this is an ideal spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Valdes Peninsula

This peninsula attracts penguins, sea lions, and other sea mammals. Pods of whales can be found in between this peninsula and the Patagonian Mainland during May to December. Tourists may also see foxes, maras, rheas, and other endangered species in this less populated land. The variety of wildlife makes this a worth-watch tourist spot in the whole of South America.

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Best Nontourist Attractions in NYC

Travel & Tours

Wish to be a tourist in your own city? It sounds silly yet funny. Top-line escape the room attractions for non-tourists in NYC are in numerous. Spend more time in each destination best of your picks so that they remain memorable forever.

Get away from crowd and start your trip with the idea of braving spectacular skyline, knowing new facts, energizing, and relaxing for hours. Strolling in parks, roaming in museums, and sitting on the coastal shores are the escape room activities providing peace of mind. Local people can explore new supermarkets, secluded parks and event centers, and unseen suburbs, where you may even hop on to new style mansions and alley lanes.

Selecting less-crowded or crowd-manageable arenas is the best way of escape the room outing for local people. Popular picks are not always better, but if crowd manageable and revitalizing, buck up to go. Probably, you might be still fascinated by the museums, parks, and skyline views of the city.

Intrepid Museum

It is an aviation institute featuring the USS Intrepid aircraft and submarine shuttles. The museum comprises the Intrepid, the USS Growler, the British Concorde, and the Space Shuttle Enterprise. The first space shuttle, shuttles built during WW-II, 30 newly restored aircraft, the world’s fastest jets and spies, and more. It is really astonishing that the aviation journey takes you through history, groundbreaking technologies, and the American vitality.

Museum of Natural History

It is the world’s largest museum, with a novel setup of exhibits for American history & politics, fossils, mammals, mummies, and natural science as well as a planetarium. It is known for its largest collection of dinosaur fossils and mammals. The Gilder Center features live creatures with digital displays for next-generation students. Kids’ workshops and research teachings are splendid here than any other museums. The Center has a glass walled spectacular view for the specimen and artifacts. This is a must-see museum for kids, researchers, and visitors.

Top of the Rock

It is an observatory located on top of Rockefeller Center, at a height of 850 ft. It offers a panoramic view of Central Park and Manhattan. It provides an unimaginable experience to spectators. The observation desks on the 67th to 69th floors offer amazing glass walled views of the city. In contrast, the desk on the 70th floor provides open panoramic views of the city.

Ditmas Park

It is in Flatbush, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, known for its history. This destination is exclusive for local people. Peculiarly designed are the Victorian style mansions with leafy streets. Feel the pleasant vibe of the streets and buildings here. You can prefer going for a long walk or cycling in these areas. You may also find some restaurants, bars, and cafes along the Beverley Road.

Farmers Market

If you wish to grab fresh produce, then detour or head to markets like Farmers Market. Racks and rows of eye-catchy organic items with varieties are seen all around. More likely, you will descend with handful of veggies and food items.

Event Centers

Participating in events via amusement and event facilities rapidly vitalizes the mind and body. If you are a sports lover, then pick some hilarious activities like rock climbing, craggy landscapes, and hopping. Otherwise, have fun watching and encouraging the participants. Local folks can jump on to many such centers around the city and suburbs.

Whether you are a nature lover, sports enthusiast, or wanderlust, these are a few escape the room charms for your quick refreshment.

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Best Beaches in South America

Travel & Tours

South America is the continent of the best beaches in the world. Most countries in South America have beaches. The shimmering waters from the Caribbean, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans along the coastlines relax oneself. The deep blue sea and tropical lands, the nature’s gift, look beautiful and provide inner tranquility to visitors. The most famous countries in South America for beaches are Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Peru, and Venezuela.

Brazil

Fernando de Noronha

This is a volcanic archipelago of 21 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, located 350 km away from Brazil and near Shangri-la. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site regarded as “eco-wonderland” and is a national park with sanctuary. The sapphire waters of the isolated islands take you from the hustle and bustle of the city life. You can cruise Fernando de Noronha and travel around the place for 3 hours. Mammal lovers frolic with sea sharks and whales and have a great time. Fishermen catch turtles, parrotfish, and crownfish. Take the picturesque sceneries of the archipelago at sunset. Hike the Sancho Bay, Coasta Azul, and Esmerelda Coast.

Rio de Janeiro

Ipanema, Joatinga, and Copacabana are three beaches in Rio de Janeiro. Sugarloaf Mountain, perched at a height of 395 m on Guanabara Bay, is the neighborhood to visit. Ipanema is a stunning beach flanked by the georgeous Dois Irmaos mountain. You can go for surfing, skim boarding, and cruising as well as walk on the neat sand resting for some time. Copacabana is the companion of Ipanema, a scalloped beach that is also good for sport enthusiasts. However, it is recommended to visit only those posts that are for visitors in these beaches, as strong waves and tides hit on the shores.

Chile

Zapallar

Zapallar is a unique lovely beach ornamented by mountains and tropical forests. The proximity of the beach to Santiago makes it ideal for night visit or day trip. The panoramic view of the mountains, sapphire sea, flip-flop waves, and golden sand is splendid. You can brave the ice cold water, look at the extreme sides of the Pacific Ocean, and go for skimming. Trail along the shell shaped promenade to enjoy the rugged rocks, rain forests, and the nice sand with the pleasant microclimate.

Algarrobo

Algarrobo is in the Valparaíso Region and surrounded by a coastline good for relaxing. It is a beach ideal for swimming and scuba diving. But before you surf, check for tides and lagoons.

Colombia

Playa Blanca

It is located in Isla Baŕu and just 40 min off Cartegana. It is one of the best Carribean beaches in Colombia for day trip and overnight stay. December and January are high season for visiting this beach.

Tayrona National Park

It constitutes the most renowned group of Carribean beaches. It is wedged by glamorous palm fringed sand, rainforests, and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain. It stretches from Taganga to Piedras River. The Colombian beaches in this national park are Cabo San Juan, Cañaveral, Arrecifes, La Piscina, Castilletes, The Nudist Beach, and Playa Cristal.

What more? There is a wide spate of beach paradises in South America. At least you would get some snippets from our article for deciding your beach travel! Bon Voyage!

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Interesting facts about Scottish culture

Travel & Tours

If you are planning to travel to Scotland, you will find that this is an interesting country with interesting people. There are many things about this country that you might not have known and that you will find interesting. It is always a great idea to get to know as much about a country as possible. Especially, if you are going to the country for the first time. This is the only way that you can know that you are going to visit an interesting country. Here are some interesting facts about the Scotland and the Scottish culture:

The people of Scotland                       

Normally, people in different countries look the same. You can’t really tell the difference between people living in England and people living in the USA. However, if you are visiting Scotland, the one thing that you will notice right from the start, is that their people are looking different.

Their skin is a lot lighter than some of the other people, in different countries. And, most of them have red hair. There are some of them that don’t have the red hair, but most of them have red hair or light red hair.

Their clothing

The thing that is different in Scotland that you will not find anywhere else in the world, is the men’s clothing. In Scotland, the men are wearing skirts. This is also known as kilts. These kilts are coming in different colors and patterns.

The men are purchasing the kilt that is the same as the color code of your ancestors or as colors on your surname’s weapon. Different surnames have different weapons and different kilt colors. This is essential for the Scottish men to show off their heritage and their family’s kilt.

Different festivals that are public holidays

Even, if they have some of the same holidays and festivals as other countries, there are some festivals and public holidays that are different from other countries.

They are taking their holidays and festivals seriously and they are celebrating it every year, and make a huge event of it. Then, families are getting together, they drink and eat and have a really great time. The Scottish people are known for partying and having a great time.

Some myths that Scottish people belief

There are a couple of things and myths that the Scottish people beliefs. They have believed in these things years ago, and they still believe in it today.

Some of the beliefs are that they still believe that there is such a thing as a Loch Ness Monster and they believe in the words, second sight. This is when people can see in the future and see what is going to happen in the near future.

Scottish people are interesting people and they are also really friendly. There are some interesting facts about their culture and people that not many people know about. It might be interesting to find out more about this culture before you are going to visit Scotland.