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Plan your weekend break in Paris
If you’re yearning for a trip but your vacation doesn’t start until the month of August, we have a solution: a weekend short break to Paris. The City of Light offers a wide range of activities and something to suit everyone’s tastes and much more than just the Eiffel Tower and the Moulin Rouge. Does a little city break in Paris sound appealing? Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world and one of the most immortalized in both film and photography, but its charm remains immune to it all. So much so that it is still possible to visit some of the most magical places without having to worry about anything more than the closing times. Proof of this is the Père-Lachaise cemetery, which is a must for all lovers of French culture. Located in the heart of 20th arrondissement, it brings together some of the most important figures of the French cultural scene, including Honoré de Balzac, Frédéric Chopin, Eugène Delacroix, Molière or Édith Piaf. In addition, the cemetery also contains the tombs of international icons like writer Oscar Wilde and the legendary singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison. Another must-see place in Paris is Le Marais. Located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, it is one of the most fashionable areas of the city and the ideal place to take an evening stroll through the popular Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. It was inaugurated in 1612 to mark the marriage of King Louis XIII and Anne of Habsburg and its arcades are now filled with lively cafes, restaurants and art shops. The...
2015 Oscar Awards
On February 22, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles will host the 2015 Oscars Awards Ceremony, during which the best films of 2014 will compete for the most coveted prize in international cinema. The nominees include Big Screen favorites such as Oscar winner Meryl Streep and veterans like Clint Eastwood and Robert Duvall, alongside more recent standouts such as Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones and Rosamund Pike. But beyond awards and winners, do you know where they shot the films that are now candidates for sought-after statuettes? We’re going to tell you: BIRDMAN Birdman, by Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu and starring Michael Keaton, is mostly set in the city of New York, which is arguably the most filmed city in film history. One of the greatest shots in the film takes place in Times Square, the epicenter of Manhattan, which has of course been privileged to witness some of the most memorable sequences in film history. ALWAYS ALICE Without leaving the Big Apple, we are also on location for Still Alice, a drama starring Julianne Moore that follows the footsteps of Dr. Alice Howland in her fight against Alzheimer’s. Not surprisingly, all visitors to the Big Apple at some point start feeling a bit like they’re on the set of a Hollywood production. If you want to discover the city in which directors like Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee have based their work, check out our apartments in New York. GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL But there is cinematic life beyond New York, and the proof is the other great nomination for the 2015 Oscars:...
Beaches to Visit in Winter
Who says it’s not a good idea to go to the beach in winter? In fact, some acquire a special beauty when the weather is not or during high tide. There’s something for everyone. This is my top ranking list of beaches to visit during the off-season when you don’t have buses full of tourists.
Silent but Alive – Dolls and Puppets in the Czech Republic, Prague
Dolls with moving body parts are not only a popular souvenir of the Czech Republic, they’re also a part of its history. This is why today we’ll travel first to the origin of Czech dolls and then give you advice about where to buy the best dolls and puppets in Prague. These dolls have been part of the Czech tradition since the 18th century, when Czech puppeteers toured Central Europe to tell stories and entertain audiences. At that time, the manufacture of dolls and puppets developed into an art form in the Baroque era. Great attention to detail was given, for example, to the design of the puppets’ faces. Traditionally, they are hand-carved from linden wood, polished with beeswax and then painted. They represent different characters, from devils, witches and wizards to clowns, kings and princesses or even Czech celebrities such as Špejbl, Hurvínek or Švejk. Many of these beautiful puppets are true works of art. The stories of the puppet shows are based on classic stories like Faust, Don Giovanni or Czech historical dramas. In Prague there are many places to buy dolls and puppets. Here are some recommendations: In the Havel market you’ll find traditional wooden toys, costume jewelry, souvenirs, and handicrafts as well as vegetables, fresh fruit and flowers. Havel Market is one of the oldest markets in Prague and is a haven for collectors and bargain hunters. It is said that you’ll find the most beautiful and original puppets of the city here. The market is held every day from 8 am to 6 pm, and it’s located near Wenceslas Square. The Puppet gallery has...
A Birthday in Barcelona
It’s your day and you’ve decided to celebrate in Barcelona, a city full of original ideas that will make it an unforgettable experience. You’ve got your apartment booked and hundreds of plans are waiting for you and yours in the capital of Catalonia. Check out these suggestions for celebrating a birthday in Barcelona in such way you’ll wish every day was your birthday: Adventure in the urban forest Looking for adrenaline? Can you imagine celebrating your birthday 6 feet up in the air? In Barcelona you can find the adventure you are looking for much closer than you think. Located in the Plaza del Forum, El Barcelona Bosc Urbà is a space designed exclusively for thrill seekers. Zip lines, rope swings, bungee jumping, log rolls, bridges … a journey that will leave you breathless and completely energized through a variety of circuits and attractions. The one thing we cannot guarantee is that you will still have enough strength to blow out the candles later! A sailboat / catamaran ride If you have chosen Barcelona as a destination to celebrate your birthday, you’ve probably thought about the sea, its beaches and the warm weather. There is only one way to combine it all into one activity to feel the best Barcelona directly on your skin: take a sailboat or catamaran ride and contemplate the city from a privileged perspective while enjoying a glass of cava (Spanish sparkling wine). Cheers! Anything can happen in Enigmatium The best plan is no plan. This is an option for those who love surprises and are great friends of the unexpected. In...
Happy Chinese New Year 2015 / 4713: The Year of the Goat
Happy New Year 4713. We leave behind the year of the horse and welcome the goat, which comes eighth in the Chinese zodiac. Much more than just dragon parades, celebrating the end of the Chinese year is a family event marked by rituals and superstition.
Easter Holidays on the Spanish Islands
Despite the cold weather, the Easter holidays are just around the corner, which is of course the perfect excuse for a short getaway with family or friends or that romantic trip for Valentine’s Day that didn’t work out. Clearly the body is begging for sunshine and time at the beach after so many cold months, so it is not surprising that travel deals and vacation packages abound to destinations which aim to give you your first tan of the year. The islands are the perfect choice for this type of holiday, whether you go with children or without them. Visiting an island is always an adventure and the offers in Spain are abundant and varied. Between the Balearic and Canary Islands, there are so many different ways you can plan the Easter holidays that it is impossible not to be satisfied. Here are some recommendations: TENERIFE With Mount Teide as a tourist attraction, the capital of the Canary Islands, which is also known as the “Island of Eternal Spring” for its ever pleasant climate, is a favorite for those seeking a destination with the perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment. While the landscape itself is a sight worth seeing due to the incredible mix of colors and shapes that were created by volcanic eruptions, Tenerife is also famous for its leisure activities for all tastes. From art exhibitions and concerts to plays and, of course, its distinctive festivals, this island will not fail to surprise you. How about a family getaway to Tenerife? You could stay here: GRAN CANARIA Another island known for its...
Carnivals in 2015
Rio de Janeiro, Venice and Tenerife prepare all year long so that everything will be ready for their most important celebrations, which are then seen around the world thanks to the TV broadcasts. And the end result is worth all the effort. Whether you want to get down or go back in time, we’ve got some tips for you.
Racy Shows in Amsterdam’s Red Light District
Visiting the Red Light District in Amsterdam is an experience in itself. There are no prejudices or taboos, nor shame or virginity, but there are indeed rules. Each of the women offering their services must have a special license to practice as a prostitute, pay their taxes and have passed the relevant health checks. So really the fact that prostitution is legal in the Netherlands normalizes the situation and makes the famous Red Light District exceptional, elegant, and clean. But it’s still inundated by neon.
