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Rare, fun and quirky London Museums
If you were expecting us to talk about the wonderful museums of art or natural history that occupy the streets of London, you are wrong. Today we want to talk about the non-traditional museums. Photo by Matt From London The Fan Museum This is a very unique museum located at number 12 Crooms Hill, Greenwich. It opens from Tuesday to Saturday, from 11am to 5pm. On Sundays it opens at 12. You don’t want to miss the permanent exhibition of all kinds of fans: from all ages, from all places and for all occasions. Then you can walk around the store to treat yourself or buy a souvenir. Museum of brands, packaging and advertising If a tomato can, by the hand of the great Andy Warhol, is elevated to the altars of arts, is there anything else we should be impressed of? This is a museum to enjoy all kinds of objects that in a way or another have become symbols or icons in the consumer society that started growing during the fifties. Located in Notting Hill (at number 2 Colville Mews), it opens from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. and on Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Be aware of the special opening hours during Easter, Christmas and holidays. Firefighters Museum of London This is an essential place to visit if you are traveling with children in the delightful British capital. Here you will discover how firefighters are essential to support our communities. There is a great permanent exhibition that shows a historical journey that includes elements as antique trucks, colorful clothes and...
Campo Santa Margherita, Venice
If you’re looking for a real Venetian experience, look no further than Campo Santa Margerhita. This bustling Italian courtyard is the social hub of the Dorsoduro district, and at any given time you’re bound to find something going on there. The square itself isn’t all that impressive; however, it’s a peaceful spot, dotted with a few trees and benches. The long open courtyard is surrounded by cafes, bars, offbeat shops and even some private residences – a number of which date back to the 14th century. The buildings enclose the space, making it feel warm, sheltered and friendly. Perhaps that’s what draws so many people to visit and chat. Photo: Miles Heller The great thing about Campo Santa Margherita is that it’s a local hangout more than a tourist attraction. Far from the hawkers and trinket vendors of the big tourist spots, the Campo hosts a weekday market and a largely local clientele. People show up all throughout the day. Some come to shop for produce, bread, or other daily essentials at the market stands. Some come to browse and window shop at the trendy boutiques. Some come for a leisurely lunch or an afternoon coffee. It’s really the heart of the neighborhood, and you’re sure to find something happening late into the night – even when everything else in Venice is closed down. Right in the middle of the Campo Santa Margherita, you’ll find a flowing water fountain, engraved with a depiction of a mermaid. Fountains like this are common throughout the city’s campos, and while they’re certainly lovely, they’re more than just decorations. Bring a bottle with...
Eat with Locals in Tel Aviv
Anyone who wants to go beyond standard tourism seeks to experience a culture directly. This means you need to spend some time with the locals and search out the best food a city has to offer, which is, of course, easier said than done. For your next trip to Tel Aviv, however, all of this can be easily accomplished. Foto: austinevan Everyone knows that a good meal cooked at home by someone who cooks well and cares deeply about the quality of the food they serve is better than experience you can have in just about any restaurant, where you will just be one of a large number of guests being served. Through EatWith Israel, you can arrange to eat in the home of an “EatWith certified host”, someone who has passed the company’s standard and safety measures. These hosts invite you to their homes to enjoy a meat that they will prepare specially for you and their other guests. This is a great option for a variety of travelers. It is great for groups to have a fun evening out together without having to worry about where to go or making restaurant reservations. At the same time, it is perfect for solo travelers who can join a group of other individuals looking for a new and fun experience. Here, you will be guaranteed interesting dinner conversation. Budget travelers will also like the options presented since most hosts allow you to bring your own alcohol, which can often be the most expensive item on your bill at a restaurant. And families with young children will like this option as...
Quartiere Coppedé
Quartiere means neighborhood, although the Quartiere Coppedè isn’t exactly a neighborhood. Hidden in the bowels of the city, it is made up of 18 palazzos, noble constructions that are accompanied by other palaces and buildings. Amid these, there is a square called Piazza Minzio unto which the doors of the architectural structures open. It also has a fountain called Fontanna delle Rane (Fountain of the Frogs). The complex formed by these buildings was designed by architect Gino Coppedè, after whom it is also named. Work began in 1913 and continued until 1927, which is when the last of the buildings that make up the complex was completed. This range of years resulted in an mix of architectural styles as they were being built, and you can find a variety of elements from many styles. From the unique, free style of the architect to art nouveau detailing or even baroque art, these all come together in the facades and interiors of these palazzos. This great variety means that no matter how many times you have visit this particular area of Rome, you are pretty much guaranteed to find some detail that you overlooked on a previous visit. And surprises are hidden in every nook and cranny, so it’s easy to miss one or more even after several visits. The most prominent buildings there are the three homes that open to the Fontana delle Rane, especially the Villina delle Fate (Villa of the Fairies), which was built in 1920. The spectacular nature of this area makes it a special place in the Quartiere Coppedè. And while all of this area is...
Venice without Barriers
The center of Venice seems too complex, difficult and impassable for people who suffer from a physical or sensory impairment. There are more than a hundred islands connected by over 400 bridges, and it may seem impossible to get aroung on them, as though they serve as authentic architectural barriers. (Photo: Steve A Johnson) But that’s not entirely true. Most of the monuments and bridges can be visited and frequented without much trouble by people with mobility problems. Some guides offer tips and advice to enjoy Venice, with routes recommended by Venetians themselves, who know firsthand about this sort of problem and the best solutions. Probably the most complete and highly recommended itinerary is to first visit the Mariciana Area, including St. Mark´s Square and all the buildings that are there, especially the Palazzo Ducale and the major Italian museums . One usually begins with a trip by the vaporetto no. 2, which allows you to get off at San Marco Giardinetti. But there is another route that lets you see much more, with minimal barriers to wheelchairs, that allows you to see additional notable buildings in the city. Take the bus no. 1 from the bus station (Piazzale Roma) or the train station (Ferrovia) until the stop Marco Vallaresso. When you get off, you arrive at the Campo San Moise and the church of the same name. To access it, there is only a small step. Continuing to the right and you’ll reach the Piazza San Marco, the true heart of Venice and its most famous landmark. There you’ll find the Palazzo Ducale, the Doge´s Palace, and several...
5 alternative places to visit in Riga
It is always nice to find local places that aren’t focused on tourism in the holiday destinations where we go. Those are the places that remain in memory and are recalled immediately when we think of our travel experience. If you plan on traveling to Riga, here are some alternative places off the tourist route that will certainly remain engraved in our memory every time we hear or see something related to Riga. 1 Pulkvedis Riga is a city that has a well-deserved reputation as a great place to party. Being a popular destination for party animals, all year round, there are many groups of tourists and stag parties who gather in the largest nightclubs in the city. If you want to find a place that locals frequent in the city, go to Pulkvedim Neviens neraksta (Peldu iela 26-28), better known as Pulkvedis, which means “no one writes to the colonel” . This is where the most bohemian and alternative locals gather to celebrate. Here you’ll have the chance to enjoy varied music on its two floors, like rock. Hip-hop and electronic, surely you’ll find what you’re looking for. Also, the decor and ambiance of the place is great and certainly you’ll want to visit this place twice. 2 Central Market If you want to shop at a really typical and authentic place, the Central Market is perfect for you. Here you can buy the freshest food in the city at very low prices, as well as to observe firsthand how is the local’s day to day. Moreover, the market is located in the Russian quarter of Riga,...
The Metropol Parasol in Seville
The plaza de la Encarnación (Square of the Incarnation), which is located in the heart of Seville, is one of the most emblematic spots in the city. A few years ago, it was decided that this urban space should be revitalized and the city held a competition for ideas to create a building or something similar to give it a stronger presence and identity. German architect Jürgen Mayer won the prize. He designed the curious wooden structure that now resides on the Plaza de la Encarnación. It is called the Metropol Parasol, but given its special shape the citizens of Seville have renamed it the Mushrooms of the Incarnation or the Mushrooms of Seville. The architectural complex is comprised of six umbrellas shaped like mushrooms that are linked together by a wooden structure. It is this form which earned it the popular but as of yet unofficial name. The shape of these structures is said to be based on the domes of the Cathedral of Seville and the ficus of the nearby Plaza de Burgos. It measures 150 by 70 meters, and in the interior of the two main structures you can find a tapas restaurant offering casual dining and an event space. Both are located on the upper level, 22 meters above the square. The most interesting thing about this architectural structure is not the original form, which admittedly did cause some controversy as it was being built, but the platform that runs along the top of the Mushrooms of Seville. From this elevated place, you can tour most of the building. And of course, the views from...
The best of Marrakech cuisine
Why not trying other flavors? Moroccan food is a mix between the secrets and flavors from the Mediterranean, Africa and the East. You can come to Marrakech for different reasons and a very important one it’s its food. To change the typical Mediterranean food we eat daily, let’s give it a chance to exotic flavors. Here it is a list of places to enjoy a great meal. (Photo: Roberto Cacho) Aicha Restaurant This is one of the most popular restaurants in Marrakech. Located in the Jemaa el Fna, it is a place visited by many tourists all year long, but to which you’ll want to come back. Tierra Café This is a very nice vegetarian restaurant. It is situated in the Medina and if you choose to eat there, you’ll also be able to enjoy the wonderful views of Atlas. ChezAli This is the restaurant of the Arabian Nights. A dinner consists of couscous dishes, grilled lamb skewers or tagine, accompanying by a show of acrobats, fireworks and several bands. It is like being part of a tale. Le Marrakchi Le Marrakchi is located downtown Marrakech, overlooking Jemaa el Fna. Here you can also enjoy a folk show after dinner. The menu is varied and traditional including: couscous, chicken tagine, kebabs, hummus, pastela. You can try everything and share with your travel companions. Restaurant the Bajha When locals frequent a place, means that it is a good one. This is the case of Bajha, which is also located downtown Marrakech and served the most traditional Moroccan food. What is the most typical food in Marrakech? We have to...
Pécs, the city of culture
Together with Budapest and Lake Balaton, Pécs is a must if you decide to tour Hungary. It is the fifth largest city in the country and it is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Despite not being too big, it was the old gate of the Balkans and a gateway for all these civilizations that were transforming over the centuries. At 200 kilometers from Budapest, Pécs is a perfect getaway: A walk through the museum If you seek post-impressionist paintings find them in the Museum of Hungarian artists (Janus Pannonius street number 11). It is also advisable to visit the Roman ruins of Early Christian Necropolis of Sopianae, which are from the fourth century and has a special architectural value that has been found excavated underground in burial chambers. And not to mention its artistic value and which is kept perfectly decorated with Christian frescoes. And finally the cultural tour, the neo-Romanesque basilica of San Pedro which has four towers and a museum vault. The views from here are superb. Wine by region In Pécs atmosphere is open-minded, cheerful and Mediterranean and the wine region of Mecsekalja certainly is worth visiting. In that area they specialize in sparkling wines, the most well known are Riesling, Riezlingszilváni, the Tramini, the Hárslevelű and Királyleányka. All are of mild flavor and soft, floral and fresh. Hungarians like white and sparkling wines. You must try “fröccs”, a popular wine and soda drink. University City Despite being a small city, with a population of 160,000 , Pécs is home to more than 3,000 college students. Thanks to its multiracial character and college town of...
