Only-apartments' blog

ONLY BE AMSTERDAMMER

ONLY BE BUDAPESTER

ONLY BE VENETIAN

ONLY BE BARCELONIAN

ONLY BE BERLINER

ONLY BE VALENCIAN

ONLY BE ISTANBULITE

ONLY BE FLORENTINE

ONLY BE LISBOETA

ONLY BE LONDONER

ONLY BE NEW YORKER

ONLY BE MADRILENIAN

ONLY BE MALAGUEÑO

ONLY BE MILANESE

ONLY BE PARISIAN

ONLY BE PORTUENSE

ONLY BE PRAGUER

ONLY BE ROMAN

ONLY BE SEVILLIAN

ONLY BE PROXIMAMENTE

ONLY BE ATHENIAN

ONLY BE COMING SOON

Last posts

Istanbul 2010 – A bridge between East and West

Mónica Boixeda Barcelonian

When we talk about Turkey the headlines often refer to the denial of the Armenian genocide or their potential inclusion in the European Union. Less frequently do we have a chance to appreciate and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of this country, full of treasures and traditions from past civilizations. This year, everything changes: Istanbul was elected European Capital of Culture 2010. The many cultural and artistic activities organized will give ample opportunities for the city to showcase the roots of this blend of east and west, and its modern-day multiculturalism. The Bosporus Bridge in Istanbul symbolizes the essence of Turkey: it joins Europe and Asia. This particular geographic situation has determined the identity and transformation of this country, making it a meeting place for diverse cultures and civilizations. Despite not yet being a member state of the European Union, though its inclusion has been in the works since 2005, Turkey attracts many students via the European Erasmus Exchange and millions of tourists, hungry to discover the country’s riches and transformations. Essen in Germany and Pécs in Hungary have also been elected European capitals of culture for 2010. Istanbul 2010 This year the ancient Constantinople will become a cradle for visual arts, music, opera, film, documentaries, cartoons, literature, theatre, performance and street art. Being nominated as a European capital of culture represents a huge push for the city both culturally and economically, and an incredible opportunity for visitors to get closer to its history and current dynamism. Over 467 projects are planned during the course of the coming year, everything from concerts by Eric Clapton and U2, to a... read more

All-Out Adventure – Extreme tourism and its cousins

Mónica Boixeda Barcelonian

If you think you have seen it all – been there, done that, bought the T-shirt – then welcome to the world of true Off The Beaten Path tourism. Take a peek at a few holiday ideas you may not have thought of when you bought your last Lonely Planet. Extreme Tourism: Swimming with crocodiles, BASE jumping, white-water rafting in rapids that wouldn´t feel ashamed next to Niagara Falls. These are just a few things that travellers are plunking down their ready cash to be a part of. One of the most out-there options is a holiday in Chernobyl. Yes, Chernobyl, site of the largest nuclear-power accident in recorded history. Technically, no-one is allowed close to the eerie, desolate site (although there are plenty of instances of former residents ´sneaking´ back into their homes) but enterprising tour operators have somehow wangled the permits to take guided groups into the Danger Zone. There is a mountain of paperwork before you leave – mostly along the lines of ´I won´t sue if I get radiation poisoning and my kidneys start leaking out of my ears. ´ Although the feel of the place is creepy at best, taking home a I Went To Chernobyl and All I Got Was This Lousy Third Arm t-shirt is a great conversation starter in the local bar. Holidays in Space Richard Branson continues to push for world domination (and now outer space domination) of all pop industries with the Virgin plans to take tours into space. Although this idea is not new (it´s been kicked around since 2004), the technology required is becoming a concrete reality.... read more

Seville Spring Fair, the feast of feasts

Mónica Boixeda Sevillian

Can you hear the sound of castanets in the distance? Spring has finally arrived and Andalusia fills with festivities and color. First for the Easter Holy Week, and two weeks later again for the famous Feria de Abril, this yearly attracts thousands of visitors (Both foreign and domestic) to the Andalusian capital. This party, which has a long tradition – it is more then 150 years old – is not just one of the most typical festivals in Seville, but in all of Spain. Starting from April 20 , for one week long life in Seville is about dance, tradition, food and drink. Blend in with the locals, enjoy the relaxed and cheerful character of Andalusia and get ready for one of the most emblematic holidays of the year. Again, as has become tradition, the festivities begin with the ceremony of the “Alumbrao”, when at midnight thousands of lanterns are lit on the festival site. What follows is the preparation of a delicious dinner: pescaíto. The Spring Fair attracts nearly 1.5 million visitors, and the fairgrounds are an exact replica of the city, constructed near the neighborhood of Los Remedios. Booths are being build in the form of little houses, and decorated with lanterns, colorful ribbons, etc. In fact, the City Council encourages this ‘decoration contest’ by handing out an award for the nicest or most original booth. The streets of the site are named after famous bullfighters or popular Spaniards. These days you can expect lots of food and typical drinks, incredible bullfights, traditional dances such as sevillanas, horse parades, flamenco dresses and lots of fun. The festivities... read more