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Last posts

2015 Oscar Awards

Laura Buil Rankings, Travel Tips

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:... read more

Beaches to Visit in Winter

Diana Rodríguez Pretel Rankings, Travel Tips

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

Maike Radermacher Only-Be, Practical Guide of Prague, Praguer, Shopping and Wellness in 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... read more