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Travel Tips

Vs. Festival of la Mercè: traditional or alternative?

Barcelona says farewell to those long summer days and announces an autumn full of energy by holding its largest street party, the festival of La Mercè, which is during the 18th to the 24th of September. This festivity is held in honor of one of the patron-saints of the city, our Lady of the Mercy, and all you fortunate ones to be here shall experience some of the best Catalan traditions, street art and music! There are over 500 events taking place during this festival, that’s why we would like to show you two different types of ways to experience La Mercè:   THE TRADITIONAL MERCÈ Human Towers “Castells” Castells are one of the highlights of the festival, so it’s always better if you arrive a bit early. The aim of the Castellers is to build a human tower and have a young child climb to the top of the tower and stand up. You can enjoy this performance in Plaça Sant Jaume on Sunday 20th at 12h and on Thursday 24th at 12.30h in the morning. Giants “Gegants” The giants dance on the streets, march around in circles, accompanied by the music of flutes and drums. On the first day of La Mercè, Friday 18th, you can see them together with other figures that will march around the streets starting from Palau de la Virreina at 19h, continuing to La Rambla, carrer Ferran, plaça de Sant Miquel and plaça Sant Jaume. On Saturday 19th you can also enjoy watching the “gegants” marching from Palau de la Virreina at 18h, to La Rambla, Portal de Santa Madrona and Drassanes,...

Capri, the Jewel of Campania

The jewel of Campania. With its delightful sites, breathtaking views, natural landscapes, and its well-know Faraglioni. The list of its charms is nearly endless… Today I’d like to take you on a tour of this stunning island. Ready?

Fashion Week Month in NY, London, Milan and Paris

The month of September promises to be a busy one, and for fashion designers these weeks are maddeningly intense. It’s fashion week galore from Thursday September 10th, until Wednesday October 7th, starting with New York’s and followed by London, Milan, and Paris- fashion-conscious cities whose inhabitants would never leave the house without an on-trend outfit and sunnies.

A Journey through Popular Songs about Places

The best keepsakes from our traveling are, without a doubt, the memories. And we are not referring to those typical souvenirs made in China, or those trendy sunglasses from Milan but to what stays in our mind. A walk with our beloved down the Parisian Champs Élysées, the taste of real Italian pizza in Rome, an exciting NBA game, or a camel ride through the dream-like Sahara desert: those are the things worth storing. Songs take us back to certain moments of sadness, happiness, excitement, anger and also to places we’ve visited with our friends, family or partner. What could be better than playing them in our car on our way to work to start the morning right, or on our way to a party? Here are some songs that may make you cry or smile… California Dreamin’ (The Mamas & The Papas) In 1965, an American band released one of the hits that put them on a par with other bands on the rise like The Beach Boys. It was a song about the longing Michelle Phillips, the band’s vocalist, felt for California. Its lyrics speak of gray skies on a winter’s day and the longing for the warm weather of the Southern US West Coast. A classic that still has faithful followers.     Budapest (George Ezra) Written a couple of years ago, this song became an international hit for its writer, Englishman George Ezra, who based his song on a planned trip to Budapest while sailing around Europe. In it he mentions a number of things he doesn’t own but would gladly give to a girl,...

A Walk through the Glamorous Amalfi Coast (Italy)

Looking for a sun and beach destination? Looking for a charming place to visit? Looking for full on Mediterranean flavor? Looking for something beyond beautiful scenery? Then it’s time to get acquainted with the Amalfi Coast. You’ll fall in love with it right away. Sea, sun, charming fishing villages, a rich history, cool stores, lemon orchards, turquoise waters… And all just a few kilometers to the South of Naples. The SS-163 is the name of the road stretching from one end of the Amalfi Coast to the other, tracing the outline of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its amazingly winding curves make this road to the South of Naples very popular with bikers looking for an adrenaline filled ride. Its 40 kilometers of tarmac cross the coastal towns of Salerno, Praiano, Positano, Amalfi, Atriani, Ravello, Minori, Maiori and Vietri. This post will stop at each of them to discover what the Amalfi Coast, aka the Divine Coast, has to offer.   The Ceramics of Vietri, Salerno: Without a doubt one of the 13 pearls of the Amalfi Coast. This Southern Italian town, located in the valley of the Bonea River is known worldwide for its polychrome pottery. And this is no exaggeration. Buyers from all corners of the world have been visiting this town since the 15th century to take home ceramic souvenirs. Today, this remains one of its main attractions.   Amalfi and its Lemon Trees: Amalfi is the land of lemons and limoncello, of course. You can’t leave this town without trying their delicious elixir of eternal youth. Located on a hill top, with narrow little streets and colorful...

Travel Tattoos

Indulge in your most favourite location, destination, place of beauty, memorable offshoots or pleasant and gorgeous designation… Simply by looking into the mirror… And seeing the reflection of your beloved. Now I know what you´re thinking. You´re thinking about your partner right? Someone you perhaps have strong feelings for? Or even yourself if your ego extends thus far? But wrong, wrong and wrong again. I´m talking about that exquisite work of art staring back at you from the mirror. Again, no not you! The reflection of your tattoo my love, is the adornment of today’s most wanderlust occasion. With tattoos signifying such importance in the world heritage of today, it´s impossible not to understand the powerful message and love behind each and every piece. That forlorn beauty that ironically differs from the eye of the beholder. Each and every time. But I suppose you could also say this is what signifies the beauty of your tattoo. The fact that everyone has their own viewpoint. That one piece of art can have so many diversifications. It´s almost quite magical if you think about it. Though the popularity for tattoos has soared in the past decade, they have been around for many many years and signify countless beliefs, across various cultures. With a rich cultural history, tattoos were first used to showcase life achievements. Tribal tattoos at the time – and of course once again popular today – were designated to different achievements in life. You would find yourself receiving such a gift to welcome wedlock, signify adulthood and to even celebrate hunting skills. It was also popular to receive travel...

“Only Route”: Beach Bars on Both Sides of the Pond

There’s nothing like getting to the beach and finding a nearby beach bar serving some refreshments. But not just any of them will do. This list highlights a few that stood out to us, either for their beautiful sunsets, cocktails, atmosphere, location, or grub. I suggest a walk through the coast of Murcia (Spain), a trip to Cayo Largo del Sur (Cuba), a leisurely stroll through Torrelominos’ Copacabana (Spain), and an unforgettable lunch on Barú Island, Cartagena de Indias (Colombia).

Apartments with a View

Beauty is a visual affair and though not all that glitters is gold, and appearances can be deceiving, it’s clear that spending your holidays in any of these apartments with direct sea views will remove any of your prejudices and clear your mind, at least temporarily.   Mykonion Waterfront Apartment E Located right by the popular VIP Kalo Livadi Beach in Mykonos this private villa is a dream-come-true for anyone who values calm and tranquility by the sea.   MONTE CARLO: 1BR Suite on the Beach w/Five-Star Amenities Miami means luxury and comfort. If we pair that with the breathtaking views of a fully equipped apartment, including its own spa, Jacuzzi and gym, we come up with a holiday fit for a king right on the Atlantic. Embarcadero – 0421 If breakfast by the sea sounds like your thing, don’t let this apartment with views over the Majorcan coast elude you. Imagine what a real ensaimada would taste like on this idyllic setting. Casita Lanzarote with Sea View 10 Meters from the Sea Surf lovers, sailors, and sea breeze addicts alike: this is the apartment for you. On the coast and fully immersed in nature, this simple and practical little house is the perfect accommodation for those who can’t resist a spur-of-the-moment dip in the sea....

Sardinia: a Slice of Paradise

Sardinia is a slice of paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean. Emerald waters, dunes of white sands… A wild island of intense vibrant colors with a rich wildlife with deer, horses and eagles. Its translucent sea has some of the prettiest waters in the world. Among its many wonders we find Sardinia’s Nuragici, monuments that bear witness to the ancient culture that inhabited this island back in the 6th century. The Nuraghi are the archeological remains of large stones set around a tower, still preserved nowadays as proof of the religious rituals practiced by the peoples of this ancient culture. We invite you to discover some of the most impressive sites on this magical island. Costa Smeralda Costa Smeralda is one of the most popular destinations in Sardinia, not only for its stunning scenery but also for the wide variety of activities on offer, such as scuba diving, golfing, water skiing, as well as the delicious cuisine of its many restaurants. Porto Cervo is at the heart of the Costa Smeralda, with its Porto Vecchio, where you’ll find luxury yachts and many celebrities. Strolling through its beautiful squares, the balconies of these houses will surely catch your eye with their unique and beautiful windows. And we suggest you take a little break right around here to enjoy a good Italian aperitif at the harbor, while the sun sets in front of you. The church of Stella Maris is also very striking, so don’t hesitate to go visit and let yourself be amazed by the gorgeous scenery. The Most Beautiful Beaches   There are some wonderful beaches on the...

The Best Spots for Summer Reads

There’s nothing like picking up a good book over the holidays to break away from the routine of our daily lives. At the beach, in the mountain, in the big city, in a park, at a terrace, at your local library… There’s no excuse to not read during the summer holidays because there’s just no wrong time or wrong destination. Flipping through the pages of a book is a real luxury, as is going to bed, waking up to and napping in its company. Let’s review some of the best places to break off from the outside world.