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Last posts

Discovering the typical Italian festivals

Luz Obscura Florentine, Only-Be, Practical Guide of Florence

August in Italy is synonymous for festivals. I´m not talking about rock or alternative pop festivals but festivals that have been taking place for many centuries… well, maybe that was an exaggeration but what´s sure is that they reminisce about and maintain Italian culture alive. They´re the sacred and profane festivals, annual events where the whole community participates and which trespass the purely religious, making it one of the best examples of culture from each of the Italian regions. This is a real cultural mix where profane and sacred imaginaries get tangled with each other along with typical consumptions, art and gastronomy, as well as a whole particular world of beliefs and social imaginaries that give shape and life to these authentic and typical events that become the clearest examples of cultural change, formed by traditions and current elements that bring unique wealth to these regional festivals. These are parties that have been taking place for many years and that have incorporated new elements with time that have settled as part of the tradition. There are so many festivals in each region that I recommend that you visit the link that I´ve attached further down if you´re interested in partaking in these types of tourist activities that are, undoubtedly, much more interesting and enriching because they involve real knowledge of the society that you´re visiting, in this case the cultural and religious traditions of each Italian region. Even so, there are some that you cannot miss and that I will recommend you right now: in Florence, Cena Medicea, the Tortello and meat festival and the Duck and Boar Festival;... read more

Regata Storica in Venice

Paul Oilzum Only-Be, Things to do in Venice, Venetian

The race, which has been taking place in Venice in one way or another for thousands of years, is not the most important thing. The truly memorable thing about the Regata Storica, which will take place on this wonderful city on the Adriatic Sea on the 2nd of September, is the floating parade that precedes the competition (http://regatastoricavenezia.it/index.php?lang=en&pg=1&page=1). This explosion of colour and lavish unfolding of costumes and boats from a time that seems to enchant us and suddenly take us into a painting of Canaletto whose name we don´t remember, is the exact existing reconstruction of 16th century emblematic Venice, a Venice that aside from time and space makes us vibrate deeply and delicately with all of its wavy and striking beauty along the Grand Canal to the bays of St Marco. Classified by seniority and the type of boats, it´s not actually one race but four. The most famous, fast and thrilling of them is the one known as the Campioni su Gondolini, which ends in the spectacular floating stage, that usually rises for the occasion, of the Ca´ Foscari Palace. In the two hours that are in between of the wonderful aquatic parade and the Campioni su Gondolini, three other regattas will take place consecutively that will race on the startling marine surfaces of the Grand Canal and Rialto at unsuspected speeds. Even so, as part of the occasion of the Regata Storica, from the 29th of August until the 25th of September, you can admire a wonderful historical exhibition at the Cassa di Risparmio that documents the history of the event through a series of paintings, costumes and... read more

4 Remedies for Jetlag

Mónica Boixeda New Yorker, Only-Be, Practical Guide - New York

Flying into the city that never sleeps with a terrible case of jetlag is no-one’s idea of a wonderful start to that much anticipated holiday. But, with a little bit of planning and discipline, you can help your body fight jetlag so that you can enjoy you New York adventures sooner after landing. There are multiple elements in an international flight that work against your body. Cabin pressure has been shown to have similar affects on the body as altitude, making you dehydrate quicker. Add that to interrupted sleep, change in time zones, lower humidity that dehydrates you, less oxygen and more carbon dioxin, and you have yourself a reliable cocktail for jetlag. Here are some well-tested anti-jetlag tips to try before, during and after that long-haul flight: Stay Hydrated This number one rule to beat jetlag isn’t as simple as drinking more water. Topping up those lost minerals is also key to make sure you don’t dehydrate. Instead of just water, try also drinking electrolyte-containing sports drinks, coconut water or tomato juice before and during your flight. Making sure you actively hydrate your body up to two days before you leave, a couple of times every hour during your flights, and in the days after you land, is a great way to manage jetlag. Also, to top up your sodium levels during the flight and encourage hydration, snack on pretzels and salted nuts, and add a little salt to your meal. Rest Up Making sure you are well rested and sleeping at the right times is another great way to ready your body for a changed time-zone... read more