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Last posts

Travel photo of the month by Floortje van der Vlist

Mónica Boixeda Amsterdammer, Only-Be, Practical Guide to Amsterdam

Talent is nothing without practice It’s never too late to learn something. Here at Only-apartments we still want to discover new things and be amazed by new cultures and countries as much as having skills and sensibility to capture breathtaking images as part of this experience for all senses. Travel photographer of the month Floortje van der Vlist How long have you been a photographer? It’s hard to tell when my photography changed from shooting snapshots to shooting “real” photographs. I guess it was about 4 or 5 years ago. There was one young photographer that told me about his learning-process, and I became interested, and started experimenting myself. I never took lessons, or followed classes, I’m totally self-educated. Ofcourse I must be honest, and tell you that I work for a television-station as a news-reporter, so I am familiair with shots and angles and framing. I guess that helped me too. Did you study photography or did you start it as a hobby? Definitely a hobby! Although I love it so much, I would like it to be my profession! But being in media already, I know how hard it is to work as a professional photographer/camera-man. So I will stick to the journalism-stuff for a while. What in your personal (and professional if applicable) life inspires you to take your pictures? My inspiration comes from my kids, and from the street. Just ordinary, everyday life. I like to catch moods, to catch expressions and faces and smiles, but tears too. I like grumpy old faces and the ever changing face of my daughter growing up... read more

How to go out in Barcelona with little money after Christmas

The Only Team Barcelonian, Only-Be, Practical Guide to Barcelona

Once Christmas has been and gone, after eating all those sweets and excess family dinners, life goes on. Even though many of us would like to spend the whole month of January hibernating in bed in order not to spend any more money, the truth is that the clock pushes us back to routine, to face the harsh reality of life. We´ve ended up with no money after spending it all on food, presents and partying, and there´s still a long month ahead of us. However, after a week´s work we will probably want to go out again and enjoy Barcelona, so there´s a problem ahead: go out to keep mentally sane or stay in and save the little money we have? Don´t worry, you can do both things because we´ve prepared a list of free activities that you can do in Barcelona in January. Here goes: Concerts If you like live music and reduced crowds, you´re in luck: Jazz Sunday 18th. At Casal Prosperitat in Nou Barris, jam session with “participative music” at 10.30pm. Pop-rock Saturday 26th, from 9.30pm, pop-rock minifestival with Gerard Civat i els Civets+Cyrene+Please Wait at Espai Jove La Fontana, in the Gràcia district. Free entry! Classical music Sunday 6th. Free Anna Maria Reverté concert at Palau de la Generalitat, in Plaça Sant Jaume at 12pm; Wednesday 15th. Maria Ivanovich piano concert at the North American Institute in the Sarria district at 7.30pm. Folkloric Thursday 17th. Sara n Trio brings R&B, soul and Brazilian music at the Centre Cívic Sagrada Familia. Free entry and starts at 8pm. Thursday 24th. Music made with oil barrels with... read more

The 2013 Befana Regatta in Venice

Diana Rodríguez Pretel Only-Be, Things to do in Venice, Venetian

If you are bored of the usual procession of the Kings on Epiphany and are in search of new thrills, there’s a traditional Italian feast that will surely excite you. It takes place in Venice on January 6 and is called the Befana Regatta. This parade is unusual because the Magi from the East have been replaced by elderly witches who float through the city with their brooms. They can be seen on lots of gondolas and on every street corner, but they’re not there to scare the children. This celebration is quite different, really, and unknown in much of the world. The Witch Befana is very famous in Italy because she flies above the cities every year and fills the houses with gifts. Young children know this quite well. And as the story goes, this old woman led the Magi to the manger in Bethlehem and was even invited to go with them to adore the Child Jesus but chose not to. In spite of what many may think about witches and the Befana’s ragged appearance, she’s a good witch. The Befana in Italy is responsible for filling the houses with gifts, chocolates and sweets. She achieves this by going down the chimney much like Santa Claus does. But those who have behaved badly will only receive a lump of coal, so you better watch out! If you are in Venice on this day, you will see how unique this celebration is compared to what is done in the rest of the world. On the Epiphany there’s a witch race with all of the participants dressed up and... read more