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Last posts

The Yalis of Istanbul

salermico Istanbulite, Only-Be, Practical Guide to Istanbul

Today we travel to Turkey to discover one of the hidden treasures of the Bosphorus. These are Yalis, which you might not be familiar with yet. Keep reading and you will be certain never to forget. The Yalis are ostentatious mansions that dot the entire shore of the Bosphorus. Although they are well-known and popular throughout the region, they often go unnoticed by many tourists who visit Istanbul. The word Yali has its origin in ancient Greek and means “by the sea, on the beach.” The Turks adopted the word and it now applies to these houses. There are hundreds of these spectacular constructions but they can only be seen if you take a boat ride. They are four centuries old, from the time when the Ottoman Empire dazzled the world. Since that time they have continued to build spectacular mansions. Even the oldest has undergone several renovations, which allows us to continue to be impressed by its beauty. The Yalis on the Bosphorus were usually second homes; they were typical summer homes for the city’s wealthy patrons. They were intended to be a reflection of the family’s social position, so there was fierce competition between neighbors about who had the most luxurious and beautiful Yalis in the area. Currently, more than 600 Yalis are being maintained, although not all are in perfect condition. The structures are made of wood, and the passage of time has reaked havoc on some of them. However, most still reflect the splendor that was once the pride of their owners. Having been modernized, especially in the interior, they have adapted to changing... read more

Cheap and chic cocktail bars in Florence

Diana Rodríguez Pretel Florentine, Only-Be, Practical Guide of Florence

Enjoying the nightlife in a city like Florence is something not exactly cheap. This article is aimed at giving information about the cheapest, yet elegant bars in the city. These are places that you can visit with a tight budget, but also where you can still enjoy an elegant atmosphere as the more fancy ones. Eco-conscious cafes or nightclubs with live music and great dance floors. The important thing is to have fun. So here are some useful tips. “Chic” and “cheap” Bars in Florence: Pub Angie Pub Angie is very popular among young creative guys and I say creative, because it is frequented by art students. In fact the walls are full of indie art, old Polaroid photos and antiques. This is a meeting place for potential artists seeking a way out in this magnificent city. There, they exchange views while enjoying the live music. Drinks and cocktails come very cheap. This place is definitively recommended. PopCafé Vegetarians will feel at home at PopCafé. This is a very bohemian bar located downtown Florence, specifically in the Piazza Santo Spirito. There you’ll be able to eat and drink at very accessible prices, something impossible in other vegetarian restaurants. PopCafé is very committed to the environment and sustainability. For example, they use energy saving light bulbs. They serve brunch, lunch and dinner. The night owls should try one of the natural fruit cocktails in the menu. The minimalist decor of the room matches the simple spirit of its kitchen. It is Simple, but very tasty at the same time. The Red Garter The Red Garter serves a wide range of... read more

‘Art in Japan 1868-1945’ Exhibition in Rome

Cornejo Only-Be, Practical Guide of Rome, Roman

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Japanese Culture Institute in Rome, known as the Japan Foundation, the Galleria Nazionale d´Arte Moderna and the Museum of Modern Art of Kyoto are organising a large exhibition dedicated to 20th century Japan, the first one ever in Italy. The exhibition encompasses a period of intense transformation without exploring that goes from the restoration of the Meiji Emperor in 1868 to the Second World War. The exhibition includes a total of 111 paintings and 59 works of decorative art from the main museums and private collections in Japan. For preservation reasons, due to the particular sensitivity of the materials, the exhibition is divided in two different exhibition phases, with an almost-complete substitution of the paintings and a partial one of the decorative art, in accordance with the following calendar: The first exhibition is from the 26th of February 2013 to the 1st of April 2013; the second exhibition is from the 4th of April 2013 to the 5th of May 2013. The curators of the exhibition are Masaki Ozaki (director of the Museum of Modern Art of Kyoto) and Ryuichi Matsubara (Head of Investigation of the Museum of Modern Art of Kyoto). The commissioner of the exhibition is Stefania Frezzotti (curator of the National Gallery of Modern Art of Rome). The exhibition takes place at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art of Rome (Galleria Nazionale d´Arte Moderna e contemporanea) on Viale delle Belle Arti, 131, Rome. The opening times are from 10.30am to 7.30.pm (last entry at 6.45pm). Ticket prices are 12€ and 9.50€ for concessions. On July 8th 1853, four... read more