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NYC Independence Day
Just like every other year, there has been only one date in mind recently. If you are an American citizen or simply love the Americas as much as I, you´ll know just which date that is. That´s right, I’m talking about the 4th of July. Here I will give you a short brief on one of the US’ 4 National holidays and give you a little side information. You may use this knowledge in know-it-all humor, but in goodwill of course. A little extra knowledge on their National Birthdate couldn’t hurt. The 4th of July is one of the most enthusiastically celebrated events in the States. When 13 colonies fought for revolution to declare independence and were given their right to freedom. The year was 1776 and for that first extra slice of pie, the vote was in fact given on the 2nd of July 1776. But it was only signed and printed on the 4th July. Hence, the birthdate as we know it. You would also believe Philadelphia’s most famous liberty bell was rung on this date I presume? Wrong again. It was not until 4 days later, to mark the proud liberty of freedom and to honor the very first public reading of the declaration. Even to start with, they knew how to make an entrance. The congressmen marked this date as one of only 4 National Federal holidays. Including New Years, Veterans Day and Christmas. And to mark the occasion, America goes all out! Here I´ll give you an idea of how New York City marks their spot on the map and why you should head...
The Towns of the Tour de France 2015
This year will see the 102nd edition of the Tour de France. The route starts in the city of Utrecht (the Netherlands) on July 4th, and ends, like every year, in Paris’ legendary Champs-Élysées, on July 26th. The cyclists will ride through a number of French towns internationally known for their cultural heritage. And so, this is our chance to introduce you to some of the gems of the French landscape. Rodez Rodez is located in the Midi Region, to the northwest of the city of Toulouse. Many of the town’s buildings are protected by the State for their historical or architectural value. Most of these buildings are in the old town, or Vieux-Rodez, like the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The town is eclectic, combining gothic, renaissance and baroque architectonic styles. Some other important sites include the Palais Épiscopal and the Saint-Amans Church, both listed among the town’s historical monuments. And these are but some of the features that have earned the town the label of City of Art and History. Arras You’ll find the town of Arras is in the Pas-de-Calais Region of Northern France. Arras is known for its two baroque squares, la Place des Héros and la Grand’Place, which together, form a unique architectural complex with its belfry and its citadel, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The town’s medieval streets attract tourists from all over Europe. Arras is also known as la ville fleurie (flower town) for its flowers. Abbeville The town of Abbeville, located in the department of Somme, in Northern France is known for its municipal theater, built in 1911 and listed among the...
Mountains vs. Seaside, Which Would You Rather?
Now that summer is around the corner, many of you will be looking forward to spending a few days away on holiday. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice some people always opt for field or mountain getaways in places like the Pyrenees or the Swiss Alps; while others like to relax by the seaside, choosing places like the Balearic Islands, Greece, or towns along the Italian coast instead. There are also those of us that can’t seem to agree with our partners, and thus have to compromise and find something in between. But it goes without saying that we all have our own personal preference based on our personality, and here some of the peculiarities that characterize those at either side of the scale. Sea lovers- Like a duck takes to water If you love the sea, then you also love the beach. Those rushing that rush off to islands when it comes to taking a break from their work routine tend to love hot weather and everything that it implies: sunbathing, long afternoon naps, and going out at night for drinks wearing little clothing. In fact, beach enthusiasts tend to be lazier during the day hours but their energy picks up at night. They love to party and they have more friends than they can count: friends at the beach, friends at that nightclub, friends from their hometown, friends of their friends, friends of their partner… well, let’s just say they’re very sociable. When it comes to eating habits, beach lovers often like light foods: rice, salads, fish… not only because these dishes just seem to...
What to Do in Seville in the Summertime?
Seville… the Giralda, the Plaza de España, the Alcázar, its tapas, its two spring seasons… but also its scorching hot summer! If you’re heading down to Seville during the summer season, you’ll find that it’s just not easy to find activities that enable you to escape the heat. And that is why we want to help you out by suggesting five different plans to make the most of the summer in this city: Open Air Concerts Sevillian summer nights are for open air concerts, and there is plenty to choose from, independently of your taste- there’s indie, flamenco, classical music… The city itself turns into the best of stages, be it in its streets, in the gardens of its palaces such as those of the Alcázar, or on terraces overlooking the city’s emblematic monuments, you are always sure to find live music. At the Isla de la Cartuja (Island of the Charterhouse) you’ll find Terraza Montpensier that plays live music all summer and brings national and international DJs. Always a good alternative when it comes to escaping the heat of the city. Another good option is the terrace of the Rocío Jurado Auditory, also at the Isla de la Cartuja on the Guadalquivir River, and which, this summer, will see the likes of artists like Carmen Boza, Andrés Suárez, Lila Downs or The Skatalites. Open Air Cinema You’ll be able to check the film screenings of Seville’s many open air cinemas, some of them on the city’s rooftops, and the most popular one in the neighborhood of the Diputación. Watch a good movie under the stars. Could there be...
Magic and Rituals on Saint John’s Eve
Bonfires to welcome the summer solstice, jumps that are nearly impossible to clear, a moonlit dip in the sea, dancing around the glowing embers until dawn, and all that with a good sprinkle of magic. I can’t think of a better way to spend the coming eve of St. John. And let’s not forget the rites and rituals that shroud every corner of the Spanish geography in mystery on the eve of June 24th. To believe, or not to believe- that is the real question. And here are some suggestions for a very special night:
Why publish your apartment with us?
Why publish your apartment with us?
Happy hour: The Route of the Milanese Aperitif
The city of Milan is the birthplace of the aperitif par excellence. This social event that is a point of pride for Italians has now been exported to countless parts of the world. But when we talk about the Milanese aperitif, we are not talking about having a little bite before lunch, but before dinner. And that is why every evening, most of Milan’s bars offer their so-called happy hour, where you can eat to your heart’s content and only pay for drinks. It doesn’t sound too painful, does it? Milanese aperitif hour starts at 6pm, and it can stretch out until dinner time.
Father’s Day in London
It´s that time of year again. That comedic morning when men have to exchange awkward hugs and unwrap the ghastly, perhaps one-time use presents the family presents. That´s right, we´re talking about the ever fast approaching Father´s day. But what is it the Dad´s really want to do this year? Perhaps it´s time to give British sarcasm a rest and give euphoria it´s true definition. Just for a day at least. We do love our cynicism after all. After scouring the net, we have put together a fun list of events you could surprise your old man with. Here are 5 inviting situations to do right here in London. 1# OnlywithFood ´The way to a man´s heart is through his stomach´. This goes for Dad too. Why not give him a breathtaking skyline view, as he sinks his teeth into his perfectly roasted vegetables and prime cut of steak, at the AquaShard London. With subtle Asian elements at play, this restaurant shall present an innovative and contemporary British cuisine that will just leave you just craving for seconds. With a menu consisting of hand-dived scallops from the Coast of the Northwest Highlands, as you overlook the River Thames, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and more. This could not be more of a pleasant Father´s day meal. Or why not reserve a table at London House, a Gordon Ramsey creation! We all know a masterpiece shall be served and good old Dad will be wined and dined with perfection. Did I mention, he also receives a Chocolate Cigar as a gift? 2# OnlywithComfort Remember when Dad´s idea of a night...
Geocaching: Play and Travel While You Exercise
For those of you not familiar with it, the key to geocaching is a GPS receiver. The game consists in hiding and searching for small treasures hidden anywhere in the world. The only clues provided (on specialized websites) are sets of GPS coordinates, so there is obviously no point to the game without a GPS receiver. And though it’s been practiced for years, geocaching has only just recently started to gain popularity.
