Cuban Cuisine Specialties

Cuban visitors get to enjoy relax and sightseeing while on vacation, but they should not forget to try local foods.  If you study the history of Cuba you would find out that the Taìno-Arawack Indians introduced to the new settlers two of the island’s most found crops: corn and tobacco.

Another bountiful food product on the island is fish: red snapper, tuna and shrimp.  Having said this, the obvious statement that is trying to be made is that these are probably going to be the most likely ingrediants in a local dish.  Shrimp and other types of fish are something you’ll want to try along with boniatos (white sweet potatoes), malanga (pinkish beige yam), and hot chillis.  For fruits you may want to try papay, coconut, pineapple and guava (pomegranate).

Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds of Beautiful New Zealand

There are so many wonders to see that we can’t but be left at aw each time a new one presents itself.  The scenic and nature surrounding Marlborough in New Zealand will capture your heart.

This is a place where people can admire everything mother nature brings us.  Forests, rivers, bays and mountains are offered along with Marlborough hotels or lodges which allow experiencing the wild with the comforts desired.

Marlborough Sounds is one of the areas where kayakers come to every year to take a water trip and get some exercise along with a breath of fresh air and a break from the city.  Marlborough Sounds accommodation fall between hotels, lodges or B&Bs, giving the opportunity to pick the type you prefer on this adventure vacation.

Barcelona – the home of FC Barcelona

Tourists and soccer enthusiasts go to Barcelona every year to visit the Sagrada Famìlia, the beautiful beaches and the home of FC Barcelona, one of Spain’s top soccer teams.

If you want to enjoy a relaxing, but eventful trip look for a Spain hotel and Barcelona hotels, just seem to pop up everywhere.  Good prices are offered and optimal central locations for living the city life, with the monuments, shops, and cafés located in this Spanish city.

Other hotels are located right on Barcelona beaches like Nova Icaria, Bogatell, Mar Bella and Barceloneta.  Barcelona’s climate is very Mediterranean and goes through the four seasons, making planning a trip around the weather a bit easier thanks to the in-between seasons where people don’t have to worry about it being too cold or too hot.

Love of the Arts and the World

Our world is filled with colors and designs that bring joy to our hearts.

Famous painters, sculptures, and other artists are remembered for what they gave and continue to give to humanity.  Artists and art lovers are all around.  They express emotions, world beauties and monstrosities, and make our imaginations fly, so when it comes to their travels, it is only normal they want to admire artistic cities.

By visiting art destinations the artists can enrich themselves for future art work and they can also take a trip focused on visiting that which they admire and brings joy to their heart.

Some of the artistic places to think about visiting include Berlin, Paris, Vienna, Chicago, New York, Florence, Rome, Naples, and San Miguel de Allende.

Visit Philadelphia

There is a lot to love about Philadelphia.  Start with the awesome location : half way between New york and Washington, still close to the New Jersey shore.

Think soft pretzels with musturd,  italian ice, and of course Philly stake.

Don’t miss it for the 4th of July Independence Day, one of the best celebrations in USA.

Philadelphia offers a family fiendly historic district on the eastern side of center city.

The national constitution center, the Liberty bell pavillion, the Betty Ross house. The museum of art and the italian market.

You’ll find plenty of history here but nightlife as well. Philly people are among the most proud of their city and traditions.

Philly has a very peculiar appeal on family and adults, on Europeans and USA travelers.

EPIDAUROS GREECE

EPIDAUROS  When we speak about holidays in Greece we often means Athens or the beautiful islands in the Aegean sea. But there are a lot of other places to spend a different day of your greek vacation: one of these is Epidauros, one of most ancient cities of Greece, situated on the western side of Gulf of Egina, near the eastern coast of the Peloponneso.

This city has been splendid during the affirmation of the cult of Asklepio God of Medicine, in the IV century b.C.; it was also an important trading center between the V and the II century when decayed completely because of one long roman empire’s domination.

Anyway something precious remains to remember its gold age: if you walk into its ancient theatre, majestic monument able to accommodate 14,000 places, you can live a full immersion in the glorious past of Epidauros. It’s considered a symbol of theatricalism and still today in the summer weekends (July and August), you can listen concerts and view at shows of prose, representations of classical tragedies and a festival of ancient greek repertory.

The acoustic of the theatre is so perfect that from the top of the flight of steps it’s even possible to feel the breath of the actors. But your peculiar day in the ancient’s Greece atmosphere it’s not still at the end: you must absolutely go and visit the Sanctuaries of Asklepio: during tha antiquity they were very active and “miraculous” centers of cure, something between our modern Beauty farm or Wellness center where came prescribed therapeutic diets and an hospital because ill people went to sleep inside one of the temples waiting the recovery action of the god.

And now we also can recover ourselves going to a good restaurant to eat souvlakia, tzatziki, keftedes, melitzanosalada and tharamosalada and to have a good glass of wine (Krasi), the sacred drink of Dioniso and then we’ll go to find an hotel in the near Nauplia. But this is another story.

Rieti in Italy

If you are in Lazio you must absolutely visit Rieti, geographically the center of Italy. It’s a small town not very distant from Rome and characterized by amazing views and particular places like the the “Valle santa” with the four franciscan sanctuaries of Greccio, Fonte Colombo, Poggio Bustone e La Foresta where monks will guide you telling you  anecdotes about S. Francisco’s life and travels and you’ll walk the same path he walked and see the places where he prayed an lived.
Above Rieti there is the Terminillo mountain, a touristic place where during the winter people from all the land spends their holidays (or simply a weekend) on the snow skiing and skating.
As in all this amazing land you can also find very good restaurants where you can eat typical dishes ( like spaghetti all’Amatriciana, brasato, coda alla vaccinara ) and you can drink good wine.
Enjoy your staying!

Something about Sardinia Italy

For a funny and suggestive day of your holidays in north Sardinia, you can go to Castelsardo, a characteristic small town erect on an headland near Golfo dell’Asinara: it’s a tiring  walk but it’s worth visiting. The village is surmounted by an amazing castle called Castel-aragonese with an awesome view and an interesting story.
I think that Castelsardo it’s a very nice place because you can feel like you are living a few centuries ago thanks of his alleys where you can often see many old craftsmen weaving typical sardinian  baskets and fishermen who tangle fishing nets!
After this unusual day you can be very hungry but don’t worry: you can easily find good restaurants where you’ll eat sardinian food (zuppa gallurese, pulligiones, seadas…), seafood and fish, drinking a good wine, liquor made by myrtle and a strong cleare spirit distilled from grapes called “Filu e ferru” .
Have a nice holiday

TOKYO

We all know Tokyo is a metropolis, a very large and populated city.
Tokyo is actually formed by 26 different cities, (go figure) plus (it does not end here) 5 towns and still 8 villages.
Imagine the contrast, the colors, the life of this crowded, big, busy, city.
Did you know Tokyo actually has two airports? But you need to try the trains! Even if you don’t plan to see other cities there is a big train line, going all around Tokyo, touching suburban areas and popular tourists destinations, connected to subways etc.
You’d need to try that. Trains are very fast, extremely clean and always on time.
And indeed there is so much to see and to do. If you are shopping for elettronics ( where better than here?) Akihabara is the place to go.
Talking about shopping…Prada has an “atelier” here. It is actually a six story building!
Shibuya if you’re up for culbs and nightlife.
Asakusa to immerge yourself in the atmosphere of the antique Tokyo.
From there there are so many temples to visit and markets on the street, museums and hot springs and spas.
Relax and take your time, Tokyo requires time but it’s unforgettable.

The biggest the boldest

It is currently under construction the biggest hugest hotel ever. Where? Dubai.
It will count something like 29 000 rooms, which will accomodate about 10 millions of tourist each year.
They plan to open in 2010, this hotel will incorporate the current biggest hotel, it will loose the Guinness having only a mere 6500 rooms.
Don’t have a picture yet for this one. But I can’t wait to find one.

ATLANTA Georgia

Romantically remembered for its part in Gone with the wind, but in full gear growing, with new people, new building, new business.

It’s a city with relatively mild weather pretty much all year round, even August humidity is survivable.

Atlanta offers a user friendly public transportation service, and midtown has tons of attractions, restaurants and museums : The Atlanta botanical garden and the Civil War Museum, just to name a couple.

Nearby destinations worth it a short trip are Savannah and Charleston S.C.

Smart Idea if you visit Bologna in Italy

Bologna is a very nice city in North east Italy.

Known for the best food,  the first University in the world,  lots of interesting Museums and a very active night life. Plenty of things to do and to see.

Besides you need to pass form Bologna if you’re going north to south or vice versa, either you’re driving or travelling by train.

I disover a very nice place, suited for kids as well. It’s a camping but it offers what they call Bungalows.  Basically, small one story villas.

The brick bungalows come equipped with private baths, showers and hair-dryers, central heating, automatic air-conditioning, telephone, tv, is available for longer periods of stay cooking area with refrigerator, linen, and daily cleaning service.

They have public transportation right in front of the main entrance.  On top of evrything  I appreciated the pool, the small kids playground, a small front yard in front of each bungalow, friendly staff and atmosphere, and it’s not expensive !!

Highly recommended. I have been there several times, and I will go back for sure.

Here’s the link.

http://www.hotelcamping.com/index.asp

Enjoy!

“THE” Journey of a Lifetime

Her name is Jennifer Figge, she’s 57 y.o. and she is…well she is right now swimming across the Atalntic ocean.

She left Miami in December and she could be the first woman to ever accomplish something like this.

Born in Aspen, wealthy ( per her admission “I am blessed that I have time to dedicate to these kind of things cause I don’t need to work”)  she was trying to quit smoking after his son convinced her.

It was so tough that she needed to replace the old bad habit with a new one. She started to travel by bike. A couple of miles here and there? Nope, a couple of States in a couple of summers.  Then running and she ran for about 3000 miles. Then swimming, she has been swimming across 25 channels now.  Did I mention she’s 57? And she looks like Sharon Stone.

Now the Atlantic.

Good Luck Jennifer!!!!! Wow,  chapeau!

A Trip to St Augustine

I’ve been to st. Augustine recently, (florida) actually iIjust got back

well, what can I say….being a European who lives in USA where everything is new and there’s no history has been refreshing somehow to be able to walk  and see the pedestrian area downtown, the antique buildings and streets.

Everything is very well organized and taken care of. Trolley tours all over the place for any age, any taste, any…body.

Too bad, or …bummer if you will, that with the exception of the first house built, and the first school built, everything else is now a gift shop, a clothes shop,  or a restaurant.

Still in perfect conditions (we cannot say the same about all our monuments in Europe for sure)  but…now a business.

I guess it depends from what your looking for. To me it was just a short trip, (sort of one tank trip), to relax  and be able to show my son something.

If this what you’re looking for then go ahaed, it’s worth it. Definitely a family kind of trip.

If you’re more picky, …maybe too “touristic ” too crowded, too much organized.  As usual ther’s the good side and the bed side,…depending from where you look at it.

I Loved jamaica!

I went to jamaica a couple of years ago. Yes, of course I saw the touristic side, all the stereotype and then some.
But I also went inland and then I had a different approach.
I went with some friends of mine who  live there,  to jamming sessions, to a Raggae sort of Festival, where they try to find new sounds and new ways to play raggae.
I talked to the Seniors citizens, still smoking Pot, yes it’s true, it does happen, but they do it in a different way and for different meannings from our youngters looking for a new way to be “wild” for a couple of hours.
In many places, I noticed, they don’t have water in bottles. It’s not just that they drink tap water, they drink from rivers, some evan shower in rivers.
And I learned that they have a respect for nature we don’t have anymore. The water is clean, there’s plenty…..why should you put it in a plastic bottle?
I loved Jamaica!

Sailing away

Go on a boat trip it’s an awesome experience. taking your kids on a boat trip it’s even better, but can be challenging.

Kids love new experiences and boating with them will be one of those lifetime memories you create together.

If you take them with you make sure you have the right size life vest, think back when you were that age. Kids hate to be hungry or cold or too hot. bring along plenty of snacks and beverages and think about activities for them in case they get bored.

Keep the first trip short, if the weather is not predictable stay close or do not even attempt.

And on top of everything….just be spontaneous and have fun!

West Florida

Planning a trip to Florida?

Consider an alternative destination : west central Florida

Plenty of exquisite retreats, museums, activities and, obviously, wonderful beaches.

Tampa International Airport offers direct flights from/to london, Fort Myers has direct connections with germany.

Discover Lakewood Ranch,  with its “Europena Feelings’  streets, shops, and downtown.

Sarasota has so much to offer, to entertain families,  as well as tourists looking for some sophisticated atmosphere.

For the Club scene you need to head to Ybor City, in Tampa.

Parties start at 9pm and do not stop until 3 am, with dozens of  different choices all in the same district.

Enjoy!

Survey about USA Most Popular Attractions

I found this, I think it’s interesting.

1) magic kingdom orlando

2) Epcot Orlando

3) American Museum of Natural History  New York

4) Disneyland  Los Angles

5) Central Park   New York

6) MGM Studios Orlando

7) Metropolitan Museum of Art  New York

8)  Animal Kingdom Orlando

9) Bornx Zoo new York

10) Yosemite National Park  California

11) Grand Canyon National Park  Arizona

12) San Diego Zoo  San Diego

13) Fountains of Bellagio    Las Vegas

14) National Air and Space Museum Washington DC

15) Yellowstone National Park   West Yellowstone MT

16) Alcatraz Island  San francisco

17) Island of Adventure  Orlando

18)Universal Studios  Orlando

19) Golden Gate bridge  San farncisco

20) Sea World Orlando

About Honduras

Honduras

The first thing you must take into consideration when planning to go to Honduras is the climate. We have to say that there is never a bad time to go to this beautiful country in the Caribbean. Clear skies are still possible even during the rainy seasons. Summer in this island is quite hot like 30 degrees Celsius. Late winter or maybe early spring is the best time to travel to Honduras. You are sure to enjoy good tropical climate and rich foliage.

Points of interest in Honduras are its festivals and other events most especially the week before the celebration of the holy week or Semana Santa. Towns in Honduras sports merrymaking and in festive mood around this time featuring their unique South American cultural heritage. The biggest of the festivals in this island of the Caribbean is the carnival staged in La Ceiba which ends with a bang on every 3^rd Saturday of May each year. Another equally exciting event is the Feria Juniana in San Pedro Sula during the last week of June.

An escapade into this island in the Caribbean is really a great way to unwind and enjoy life. Plan your vacation within these months of great festivities to enjoy in the merry making. Before going to any beach resort and other destinations in the island, be sure not to miss these events in the equally exciting Honduras. For that dream vacation, make it Honduras.

SWEDEN. I LOVE IT!!!!

Sweden

Holidays in Sweden can be a spectacular experience and the Midsummer’s Eve celebration. It is held to celebrate the Summer Solstice which is the years longest day. This calibration is and old practice and dates back over two thousand years. There are many rituals associated with this celebration most of which are associated with nature. There will be many public parties and sessions across the country and will involved dancing, traditional and contemporary, drinking and lots of eating.

In Stockholm on June 1-30 there will be the Stockholm Early Music festival which is an annual event. There will be a mixture of international performing artist along with young new and emerging talents. This is a crowd favourite and has always been well attend since its inception in 2002. There will be music dating back hundreds of years along with the more modern styles. There will also be many evening concerts and street performances. There will also be events for children and a number of seminars during the festival. This will surely be a great experience for anyone who visits.

Another good event to be a part of is the Jokkmokk Winter Market is another annual event that takes place February 2-7. It is much more than a market as it features the traditional Sami culture and is filled with lots of entertainment. This event has be going on in one form or another for over 400 years.