What to see in Ljubljana, the Capital of the Republic of Slovenia

Ljubljana (Ljubljana, Slovenia) lies along the river Ljubljanica and is the capital of the young Republic of Slovenia. Dynamic during the daylight and sparkling at night, it has completely changed its face in recent years. A careful restoration has brought back the ancient splendor of the most important Baroque and Art Nouveau mansions, magnificent fountains, bridges, churches and the imposing castle that dominates the city. In the historical center, which is free from traffic, you may walk around in absolute tranquility, even at night when the lights reflected on the waters of romantic Ljubljanica spread a veil.

Ljubljana

Brief history of Ljubljana

The first Roman settlements in the Ljubljana area date back to 15 AD . The city was mentioned for the first time with its current name in 1144 (the German version Laibach) and in 1146 (as Luwigana). In the thirteenth century it became the capital of Carniola, and in 1335 came under Habsburg rule, lasting until the end of WWI. Ljubljana became the seat of the diocese in 1461 and the main cultural center of the region by the end of the middle Ages. The Habsburg rule was briefly interrupted during the Napoleonic wars between 1809 and 1813. After the Second World War it became the capital of the Yugoslav republic of Slovenia and, finally, in 1991 the capital of Slovenia.

The Canal of Lubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana Tourist Information

Ljubljana is a city of culture. It has many theaters, museums and art galleries and is well known for its orchestras. Many cultural events and festivals are hosted there every year. In summer, numerous cafes and restaurants enliven the banks of the Ljubljanica and the squares of the historic city center. Tourists and residents meet each other for morning coffee, or to pay the almost obligatory visit to the Central Market on Saturday, the antique market on Sundays, or to chat with friends in the evening. Ljubljana is a city full of young people, with 50,000 students attending the many university faculties.

Ljubljana after a snow storm

It’s a popular destination for scientists, world-renowned artists and businessmen who come from all over the world on the occasion of numerous business meetings, trade fairs, congresses and conferences. Ljubljana is a city where people return to most often, both for work and because they bind to the town pleasant memories of the visit. Due to its excellent geographical position is also a starting point to discover the myriad aspects and beauties of Slovenia

The strangest places on the planet

What would be the aspect of other worlds? Do the places in Mars look like the places on Earth? Filmmakers, designers and artists strive to imagine remote and impossible locations beyond our borders; however we can find strange, unlikely, enigmatic and mysterious places in our world which could be the scene of any science fiction movie. This article proposes a tour through ten of these curious places but there could be found many more:

“Blood Pond” hot spring  in Japan

The blood springs, which are known as one of the “Bepu jigoku” (Hell of Japan), include nine spectacular natural thermal springs which are more appropriate to be seen than to bath into. The reddish color is due to the high iron level in the hot waters.

The title means Blood Pond

The Ice Caves of Eisriesenwelt (Austria)

These caves include the longest  ice grottoes in the world. Presently, only a small zone of the caves is open to the public, which is small and similar to a labyrinth but it is striking enough to make the visitor feel the marvelous and mysterious whim of the nature.

The Ice Caves of Eisriesenwelt

Sahara’s eye

This structure is in Richat, in the African continent. It is visible from the space because of its almost 50 km length in diameter with many curious concentric rings that can highly get the attention. It is located in the Desert of Sahara, in Mauritania, at an altitude of 400 meters over the sea-level. It is believed to have been caused by a meteorite impact.

Sahara’s eye

The Stone forest of China

The Stone forest of Shilin, which is known as “the first wonder of the world” is located at 86 km to the south of Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. It is more than 400 kilometers of a huge stone forest that is characterized by its karts topography. Its lakes demonstrate the amazing rock formations in a spectacular way. It was included as a World Heritage Site in 2007.

Shilin Stone Forest - China

The Salt Desert

This immense desert of salt, which is located in Tunupa in Bolivia, is also known by the name of “Uyuni”. It is the largest salt desert in the world and it includes active volcanoes, tall cactus, geysers plains, etc., that make the place a sort of infinite illusion or a landscape of another world

 

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The salt desert ( bolivia)

Valley of the Moon

The Valley of the Moon in Brazil is a huge eroded rock valley with natural pools. It is located inside a forest, near a river. The rock formations are considered among the oldest in the world and they are composed of quartz and other crystals. It is said to have healing powers and it is an energy source thanks to its crystals.

Vale da Lua - Valley of the Moon

The Spotted Lake of Kliluk

This enormous and curious lake, the Klilukis, is located between the Canadian province of the British Columbia and the State of Washington in the USA. It is consisted by rich natural resources but the most surprising is the strange formation of circles with white borders in which are made puddles reflecting the sunlight with blue and green as mirrors or doors to other worlds.

Spotted Lake

The dry deserts of Antarctica

They are authentic dry valleys in the Antarctic with dark gravel scattered on the ground that are similar to the volcanic areas of the Canary Islands which are compared to Mars. The place is so cool and dry that anything that dies there is preserved as a mummy or a natural freezer. Additionally, it is possible to find corpses of seals that died there centuries ago.

Rock-covered glacier in Farnell Valley

The river of Tinto

Our own little planet Mars on the Earth is in Spain, in such a high manner that NASA has been doing there different experiments due to its resemblance to the red planet. The area is a mining site which confers on the environment a barren and almost a lunar appearance. The high copper content of the water and the land’s red color give the name to this river which is:
RED

Río Tinto

The island of Socotra

The place looks like an unreleased space like in the novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” by Jules Verne’s. It has a strange vegetation that makes this place a unique ecosystem and almost abnormal. It is part of an archipelago of four islands in the Indian Ocean which were separated from the African continent around 6 or 7 million years ago. Like the Galapagos Islands, this one contains more than 700 extremely rare species, both flora and fauna and one third approximately are endemic.
 

What to do in Central Park

Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States as more than twenty-five million people walk on its surface of 3.41 square kilometers each year.

Central Park in snow

There are those who walk, those who take photographs, who run… There are so many activities to enjoy in the “green heart of New York”! Let’s find out what you can do there
1.       Guided tours: you can choose one of the many walks organized by the Institute, which deals with the protection of the park. Just consult the online programs and find out in the place and time specified to meet the guide!
2.       Bicycles: probably the best way to visit the park far and wide. You can get your own or rent one for a very good price!
3.       Boat trip on the lake: you can rent a small boat and have fun. Some gondolas are also available, but you must book in advance.
4.       Concerts during the summer: you can watch wonderful musical performances of different genres, all completely free and open to everyone!
5.       You can also visit the park’s zoo.
6.       Conservatory Garden: available at the intersection of 5^th Avenue and 105^th Street, this botanical garden is arranged in three different styles: French, Italian and English. In fact, it seems like you’re not even in America!
7.       Another place loved by young couples is the Shakespeare Garden, located between 79^th and 80^th Street and contains plants and flowers mentioned by Shakespeare in his works.
8.       Belvedere Castle: besides being a beautiful castle, it is also the highest point of the park, where you see some of his most famous areas – Delacorte Theater, Great Lawn, Turtle Pond and Rumble.
9.       Carousel: a carousel that dates back to 1870 destroyed by fire twice (in 1924 and 1950), is open all year round. It is without a doubt one of the most visited “monuments”!
10.   Strawberry Fields, between the 71st and 74th street. Watch out for the amazing mosaic with “Imagine”.
Obviously the list of activities does not end here: there are also rides on ponies and carriages (the ones you see at the park between 5th and 59th street), you can picnic or spot monkeys (an activity that’s considered by the managers of the Central Park themselves as great). In winter you can even do ice skating. There’s something for everyone from this travel guide.

What to see in Prague, Czech Republic

How many days are needed to visit Prague? Well let’s start with 3 days not counting the tiring traveling hours that drive us crazy back and forth as well.
In any case, 3 days in Prague may be enough to visit the most  sites without too much rush . Of course you have to give up museums, galleries, and tours outside of Prague.  You must have noticed that too many things to visit in one day is not good! After a while, ‘you lose the pleasure and the visit becomes a torture.

Prague

Starting on how to visit Prague in 3 days and 4 nights. Having booked a hotel that is located in the center … you rest a little after the arrival and spent the rest of the day on where to dine for 3 full days of sightseeing await you!
Starting with the Old Town Square you must watch the whole hour astronomical clock and  go to the Charles Bridge and enjoy the panorama of Prague Castle, the Church of Our Lady Victorious look and St. Anthony of Padua and greet the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. But above all try to navigate and understand the distances. For lunch I recommend the Malostranská Beseda on the Lesser Town Square (Malostranské náměstí). The Grand Tour of Prague is just perfect to make the first steps in a city still unknown. Offers a mix of history and monuments but also practical information for the rest of the stay. For lunch you can try Malostranská Beseda. And for a change tonight goes PEPeNERO (via Bílkova, 5 minutes walk from Square Astronomical Clock) … an Italian pizzeria is at 100% and the food is really good, even better than in many pizzerias in Italy.
The second of three days in Prague you should visit the area of ​​the Prague Castle. And you absolutely must visit the church of St. Nicholas of Bari (the one with the green dome and bell tower). It ‘a jewel of Baroque architecture in Prague. The first place to visit in Pohořelec  is the Strahov Monastery with the Church of the Annunciation, the Hall of Philosophy, Theology … all of them beautiful examples of Baroque style u must see! Be careful to get up at 11.00 to visit the monastery with calm and avoid the lunch break. It means that you must leave the hotel at 9.00 am or a little ‘before.

Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic

After the visit to the Strahov Monastery  the Sanctuary of Loreto awaits … that is, a building inspired by the Holy House of Loreto in the Marche in Italy. Every full hour the bell tower of the Prague Loreto plays a song so pay attention. Inside visit a replica of the Holy House, the chapels, the Church of the Nativity, and the room with the treasure, which, among other items, also contains a monstrance decorated with over 6,000 diamonds! In one of the chapels there is the Crucifixion with Jesus Christ dressed as a woman, the Holy Vilgefortis which I highly recommend!
And now along the way Černínská – Novy Svet – Kapucinska you reach the main square in front of the Prague Castle. It’s time for lunch and this time you can try U Sv Jana Nepomuckého that  is on the same square. After lunch we need to mind the timetable for the visit to Prague Castle. Better renounce the base path (route “B” – 250 CZK), which does not offer much. The Old Royal Palace and the Basilica of St. George are two almost empty rooms. Worth the visit are  however: the Chapel of the Holy Cross with the treasure of St. Vitus, the cathedral of St. Vitus (before it closes), Golden Lane (just after the end of the itinerary “B”), and Lobkowicz Palace, where appropriate, with the museum of this noble family.

Early morning opposite Prague Castle

Forget the idea of ​​returning to the hotel. Take the eastern gate of Prague Castle, perhaps there will be the changing of the guards (it’s done every full hour before the doors), enjoy the panoramic view from the terrace, and descend the staircase to the river. You’ll be close to the boats with only 790 CZK you can do 3 hour cruise with buffet dinner and live music. Here comes the last of three days in Prague …and still there remain too many things to visit. There is the Jewish Quarter with the Museum and the Old Cemetery as well as the Vysehrad Castle and the beautiful basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul. There are other churches, squares, and streets that you have not yet seen. And there are also museums and galleries.

Jewish Quarter, Prague

Choose a couple of things that you most interested in, eat a sandwich for lunch, and reserve a bit ‘of time for shopping! Dinner will be at Café Imperial will eat imperially in a luxurious setting (jacket and tie are not required, but the reservation is)

Visiting Albania

My trip to Albania lasted one week. After evaluating various opportunities I decided to make the trip by plane and then rent a car. Booked a flight through an agency I found on the internet with a representative in Tirana. It was called Venice Budapest Tirana Hungarian Airlines, comfortable and uncrowded.

ALBANIA-TIRANA view from my room on mosque and principal center city streeton

Upon arrival at “Mother Teresa” in Tirana I immediately noticed how new, nice and small the airport was. Customs control charged 10 € per head for entry. Rapid recovery of the luggage and the car was ready at the exit. We were advised to take the internal road instead of following the coast, and it turned out to be efficient and accurate. We departed for Saranda at 15.30. Good roads up to Durres, but ones around Fier need a lot of good work still to modernize. Frequent police patrols, almost all with cameras.

Apollonia (Fier) Albania

  

From Fier we had to deal with traffic at  problematic times for the state roads, amplified by the
fact that the route is all mountainous. What is not lacking is the frequent presence of piles of garbage (mostly plastic) along roadsides. Someone was burning them making smoke and transferring the smell. It is this presence that accompanied us throughout Albania. Another thing that impressed me is the frequency with which you can find restaurants of all kinds along the way. And equally amazing was the fact that not even near said restaurants were there any villages or houses to be seen for miles. Who knows where they will be ambushed! We made a stop at Memaliaj, quiet and very nice to catch your breath. We went into a bar.

Durrës Skyline

Kind and pleasant service offered us coffee and we also took two small bottles of mineral water. Total 120 leks (1 euro)!. Continuing along the road we encountered animals in quantities: flocks of sheep, cows in each corner and edges of roads and lots of donkeys. Alone and free or charged with anything and often ridden by kids who greeted us with smiles and gestures. The kindness and availability was another theme of this holiday. We also saw women or children who were cooking along the way, to sell, corn cobs on fire in logs. We crossed a few villages that seemed to come from another age. We arrived in Saranda at 21.00 in the midst of chaos and the evening walk in search for car parking. Saranda is considered the most beautiful vacation spot and most coveted by the Albanians and therefore is also the most popular, especially on summer evenings. Talked with firefighters to enter the street where the hotel was located and then, despite the difficulty in understanding, one of them led me to a parking spot on the sidewalk making me feel comfortable. We found our hotel, the Palma e Arte but our arrival was planned for the next day! We were tired but with a lot of patience after speaking with the owner we made a new deal. They suggested we went for a bite, as we were on an empty stomach, and once we were back our room would be ready.

Saranda-Albania

That was one of the first examples of simple and friendly openness that marked all the people we met. We ate in a room with a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea. Spit-roasted turkey, potatoes and beer for two for only 7 Euros. Back at the hotel we were “lent” a triple, finally getting a shower and shortly afterwards going to bed. Problem solved and seasoned with endless excuses. The next day we got up and went for breakfast at the bar in the front. Had bread with butter and jam. There were other options on the menu, but they remained unknown as well as unattractive. We Toured to discover the sea and promenade and ended up in a delightful and characteristic market of fruits and vegetables. Abundant white and black grapes and bananas. Spent the day at the beach renting an umbrella and two sun beds for € 2.50. Bottles of mineral water costed 40cent. The prices were equal at every place we went. Spent the evening at the restaurant Zhupa, recommended by the guide, where we had grilled fish for € 30. Good and fullfilling!

A guided trip to Albania

A trip to Albania begins when you start to say it around. To friends. Acquaintances. To relatives.” In Albania??” Depending on the tone most will express: terror. Outrage as if you were cheating on someone or something. Sarcasm : ) . Sense of superiority of one who knows to take the side of truth and others. After all, it is legitimate. We live by stereotypes. The ship takes you to Durres. When landing in Durres, there will certainly be people waiting for you. Usually university students are the ones that take the job of guiding tourists around. Sometimes they host them at home, take them around the country, let them see through their eyes, the history and traditions of Albanians.

Landing in Durres

Durres, an unusual beach

My attendant took me on the beach in Durres. There I saw men with snakes entwined around their necks, men with bears on a leash, men with carts piled high with jackets, pools, balls, waterguns, and police cars along the shore. If you wish, the man let’s snake cling to your neck in order to take a picture.

Durres Beach

Palace of Culture, Tirana

From Durres to Tirana we took a van as private transport traveling at the speed of light making multiple trips a day possible. We met up with the rest of the tourists and were guided towards our hotel. It was the first day we spent in Tirana. Our guide instructed us on how to change euros into Leke, and accompanied us to the Museum of Albanian history. Near it was a fast food restaurant for lunch.

Sheshi Skënderbej. Place Skanderbeg, Tirana, Albanie. Années 70-80

In the afternoon we were welcomed at the Social Centre. The Centre is managed by the Social Bathori Catholic Church, Father Patrick. The activities were among the most diverse, from welcoming kids of the neighbourhood, the organization of recreational sports and activities for them, the organization of training courses for women at job placement. Children who arrived this afternoon to follow the activities were so many: first catechism, then volleyball.

To the South, Berat

The next morning it was time to leave for the south. Another person from the agency appeared who would be our faithful guide within the south of Albania. Albania is strange, but little by little, it gets inside you. Is it because they, the Albanians, are presented with passion and sense of belonging? Berat is a city of a thousand and one windows. I was tempted to count them but gave up almost immediately, there were so many. Almost all towns had a castle on top of a rock, from which you can enjoy spectacular views and see the Turks, the event never to return.

Berat Albania

The Blue Eye

On the road to Saranda, we stoped at the spring called the Blue Eye. It was really blue. The Eye is there and it looks at you. If you like it you wink. Saranda appealed to us in all its Albanian beauty. We stayed for two nights at the home of one of the guides in Xamil, a village not far from Saranda, near the sea.

Saranda from air

Halfway between East and West

After two days at Xamil, deep south, came the time to leave. We had our lunch break on a beautiful pebble beach with turquoise water, but very cold. Our guide explained that Albania, geographically speaking, is the throat to the sharks. Like a door to west or a door to the east, depending on where one looks. It controls who enters the Adriatic. And who comes out.

Area of Xamil, Albania

The return, Shkodra

In Shkodra there is a magical place, within a few tens of meters a living mosque, an Orthodox church and a Catholic church. When one of the three churches celebrated the other two participate. They join the three places of worship together. It’s not something that happens often in the world. Probably only in Shkodra. After the party, it’s the time of the final meeting. It closes the circle. We greeted each other. I held back my tears. Everyone felt they had to return to the beautiful and crazy land of Albania. Like any land, Albania is beautiful thanks to the people who live here.

 Shkoder, Albania

What to see in a happy country like Bhutan

Bhutan is the ideal drowsy country beautifully caught at the chain of the Himalayas, between India and China. A powerful country, a place where peace reigns and where a large population cultivates the values ​​of religious and cultural tradition of high mountains, covered with forests, green valleys, small houses built with traditional methods whose technique goes back in time. A trip to Bhutan is the discovery of a world that travels to another speed. There are more pedestrians than cars, it is not uncommon animals to cross your path especially monkeys and there is a lucky chance to see a snow leopard.

Bhutan Taktsang Tigers Nest

Bhutan is just an hour’s flight from Kathmandu and Paro. The first day you might want to pass it between visits to acclimatize from the Monastery of Taskhang Lhakhang (where they filmed The Little Buddha by Bernardo Bertolucci) and for those who are brave enough they can try their skill with the bow or darts that are the two national sports. A paradise for walkers, on the first day it is better to walk only a few hours for you shouldn’t forget that you are at a ‘height of 3,500 m. , Take the main road through green forests and crystal clear streams, the night you sleep in a tent, sleeping so to say, beneath a sky with no artificial lights other than those of the stars.

Bhutan Drugyel Dzong

It’s in the morning  that you can enjoy the most beautiful aspect of Bhutan a landscape almost surreal, of mountains with steep slopes spotted with dark green of pines and the pink of the rhododendron, all that from a meadow where you can camp in the valley between the town of Paro and Thimphu . An eerie silence, as if to teach you to feel again, the sound of a stream will lead you to a small mill village, which is grinding the wheat. The village houses are small wooden carved with decorated windows, the balconies are full of flowers, the farmers are busy in daily chores such as milking the cows, mounting the butter by hand, weaving yarn, barley, and distilling the preparation of a pasta with buckwheat flour.

Bhutan from Sandakphu

Walking along the road to Thimphu, you can hear the sound of melodic singing of prayers convents come dzongs the fortress-which are also administrative centers in the area. They are a religious and historical memory for the country, of which the paintings, authentic masterpieces are decorated with the dense presence of monks, especially young people. You will be welcomed by the boys on their last year, those who must decide between life in the convent or the life out of the convent. It is customary in all families to send their children to the monastery, hoping to become at least a monaco and despite the recent modernization, the life of the people in Bhutan has not changed but followes the same rhythm for centuries.

Bhutan

In Bhuthan there exist no dates, and time is measured in days and seasons, in each house there is an altar for prayer, in all the tops of the mountains there are multi-colored flags, votive prayers, which refer to Buddhism as a religion, and governs the way of living of its inhabitants, followed by a branch of bhudhanesi buddhuismo called “Drupka Kagyu” that a legend was born from a monaco escaped from Tibet, Guru Rinpoche. The mountains around Thimphu is home to nomadic tribes, horse moving and yak breed, derived cheese from milk, their only source of livelihood. They are very polite and often happen to be invited for a break in their tents.

Art of Bhutan

Thimphu is the only city in the world without traffic lights, indeed one was there but they had to remove it because it was confusing. On Friday morning there is a market. A country that has only recently opened to tourism in a development-oriented and respect for man, environment, religion and culture of the country, projected into the future, newly arrived in recent years, hospitals, postal system and schools. It ‘a paradise, I do not know how much this small country will survive but I hope to remain so for ever because apart from its natural beauty, it is a country where wealth is not measured by possessions or gold that a person may have, but rather by the degree of happiness with it….. In fact, in this country, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that is operated in all countries on an international basis is replaced by Gross National Happiness (GNH). And several years ago, the Bhutanese King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, began to apply this idea already in operation, and which have created a national commission to quantify the Gross Happiness of the Country. Let’s be happy for them and with them!!!

Slayer of demons and dragons, Saint Michael and the Mont Saint Michel in Normandy

Mont Saint Michel is one of the milestones of each trip to Normandy. This rocky island is a symbol of France and is located in the heart of an immense tidal bay, the strongest in Europe.
According to legend it was the Archangel Michael that told the bishop of Avranches the location where to build the monastery. The pre Romanesque church was consecrated in 708 and later the rock became the home of a community of Benedictine monks who guarded it until the French Revolution.

Mont Saint Michel

Over the centuries the island has turned into a fortress so that during the Hundred Years of War it was the only strip of northern France from falling into enemy hands even though the English put it under siege several times.
In 1966 the abbey was symbolically returned to the order of the Benedictines during the anniversary of the founding of the community of Mont Saint Michel.
The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway which makes it also accessible at high tide. After passing the drawbridge and the gates of the medieval city you enter the Grand Rue, the main road leading to the abbey where there are museums, shops and houses of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. At the beginning of the trail is the parish church, a small building of the fifteenth century dedicated to St. Peter patron saint of fishermen.
Along the Grand Rue it is worth stopping to admire the view of the bay because the climb can be challenging especially during the summer months. The main church was built on top of the island and is visited in its entirety.

Mont Saint Michel by Night

The abbey of Mont Saint Michel has been continuously expanded and upgraded so as to represent a complete picture of the medieval architecture of the eleventh to the sixteenth century. A large golden statue depicting St. Michael slaying the dragon surmounts the roof of the abbey, one of the top three places of worship named after the archangel together with the European Sacra di San Michele in Val di Susa and the Sanctuary of St. Michael, the Archangel on Gargano.

Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon

Watching the progress of the tides around the island is very charming. The sea level also makes excursions of 14 feet and the water moves very quickly. It is dangerous to venture alone into the bay because of the presence of quicksand. Those wishing to experience the thrill of walking on foot or on horseback at low tide can participate in one of the excursions.

Mont Saint Michel at Low Tide

The entire island was declared “World Heritage” by UNESCO in 1979.
This mecca of tourism welcomes more than three million visitors a year, both French and foreign. It is best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon hours as it is besieged by tourists.

Sunset at Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is also considered a classic destination for all tours of Britain, given its proximity to the region of western Franc

Costa Rica – The ultimate eco friendly destination

Virgin rainforests, active volcanoes and velvet beaches on two oceans. Between the Caribbean and the Pacific, Costa Rica, a real paradise, proves to be one of the leading eco-friendly destinations in the world!

Costa Rica

«Pura vida» is an expression that you will surely hear many times from the lips of residents in Costa Rica. It means “pure life” and is used mainly as a greeting and a manifestation of joy or excitement. At the same time, however, it describes the best everyday life in this tiny and unknown-to-many country in Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama. What if the land did not have the gold which the Spanish explorers expected to find, when they called it the “Rich Coast”? It is rich, in a different way: though a small area, it has tropical forests, more than 15 national parks and protected areas, raging rivers and waterfalls, biodiversity incalculable ecological value and 11 spectacular volcanoes!

Waterfall at Costa Rica

Heaven is a place on Earth!
In the early ’70s, the country began to enter the global tourism map in a slow pace. As it doesn’t have any ancient monuments, as its northern neighbors do, the vast majority of visitors was-and continues to be- nature lovers from around the world who come here to study the rich fauna and flora. Dozens of species of plants and animals find shelter and the ideal environment for development in the paradise-like national parks of Costa Rica. On a tour to the tropical jungles you will surely see closely enough a lot of them, like the capuchin, the monkey with white face and many more.

The Costa Rican monkey

The Costa Ricans have realized that the welfare state is based precisely on this blessing and therefore are very sensitive with regard to preserving the environment. Thus, the luxurious lodges that you may find in the protected areas are made with fully environmentally consciousness and care so as not to disturb the balance of the ecosystem.

The best hotels in Europe

Plan a trip across the old continent and stay in one of the best hotels in Europe in order to enjoy the quality, the comfort, the elegance, the design, the history and the pleasure of sleeping, eating and relaxing in an exclusive location. We present different options to make your wishes come true: a romantic weekend, a special trip to a city that you still do not know, a few days to turn off your mind or dive deeper into different cultures. The old Europe is still one of the best destinations in the world to get lost in cities full of history, personality, modernity and elegance. So, what better than visiting one of the main European capitals and to stay in one of its best hotels? Treat yourself and experience the luxury travel enjoying all the comforts in your accommodation. In some of these hotels you can relate with the coolest people, to take care of you and relax, to enjoy the architecture and design or taste the culinary delights. We have compiled a selection of European hotels you should not miss because of their quality, their reputation, their architecture, their originality… It will be difficult to decide (also due to their expensive price).

Milan: NH Experience

The European capital of fashion and design is also the place chosen by the NH group to inaugurate the first line of the Nhow hotel, an exclusive vanguard accommodations style that combines luxury, design and new technologies. The hotel is part of an impressive reconstruction project of a big industrial building located in the south of Milan, 12 km from Linate Airport, 2 km from the heart of the city and the Milan show. The concept of “Nhow” provides additional unprecedented hospitality reinterpreting times, spaces and services in order to involve the visitor from the first moment. The area of “Tortona & Navigli” has become the fashion district of the city, both day and night. It is full of charming restaurants, bars, showrooms and design and photography studios.

NH Hotel – Milan

The perfect place in order to be close to the most sophisticated people of the city. As examples of luxury, the rooms have showers where the water flows directly from the spotlight. There are guiding lights under the bed to avoid disturbing the companion. Poltrona Frau, Knoll, Zucchetti and Artemide furniture are present; furnitures which were designed exclusively for Nhow. All the doors were made by the best graffiti artists in the city. The Art Direction renews the art and the cultural offer every three months and the works can be purchased. The hotel entrance has a long tunnel which enables access by vehicles. This NH is home to all kinds of events such as fashion shows, parties, exhibitions, etc. T35, the coolest local of Milan, is in the basement of the hotel. The Nhow suite is 320 square metres which are distributed in two floors. It enables you to hold private meetings, private parties or different meetings. It also has the restaurant Nhow Milan, a genuine laboratory of creative cuisine.
The price per room varies between 247 € and 3,000 €.

Paris: Melia Vendome, a privileged hotel.

It is privileged by its location -very close to the Madeleine, the Concorde Place, the Champs Elysées, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower and also close to the famous Rue Saint Honore where are located the best fashion boutiques in Paris- and it is outstanding in their treatment and services. A four-star luxury hotel that combines comfort and practicality. The Melia Vandome is part of the hotel called “hotels boutique”. It has 83 reformed rooms, spacious, quiet and classically decorated with elegance and comfort.
The price starts from 335 € for a double room.

Melia Vendome

London: The Halkin, luxury in the heart of the city.

Located in the luxurious neighborhood of Belgravia, close to Hyde Park Corner and a few minutes from Piccadilly, this well-known five star hotel is the best accommodation to enjoy a few days in the vibrant city of London. The Halkin hotel has a contemporary and postmodern décor style and it is notable for its service, design and sophistication. This hotel has received awards such as AA four red stars 1995, Egon Ronay award and the Best Hotel in London 1998 by the Bloomberg Television. It offers style, privacy and discretion. The hotel has curiosities such as the employees’ uniforms were designed by Armani, the bath items and toiletries are Bulgari and the sheets are made from Egyptian cotton. It is perfect for traveling with children since they have also babysitting service. The restaurant, which is called Nham, is the only one in the world specializing in Thai cuisine and it has a Michelin star.
The price starts from 460 € for a double room.

The Halkin

Berlin: Arte Luise, a customized hotel

In terms of art concerning this hotel can be a synonym of “luxury”. Overlooking Berliner Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate, the Arte Luise is the result of the work of fifty artists, who created exclusive rooms in exchange for some part of the benefits that the hotel will get in the future. Among the most popular suites is the futuristic of Jochen Schmiddem, which so impressed Spielberg and he called the author in charge to create the set of Minority Report film. Therefore, this hotel-museum has exceptional scenery for lovers of art and design. It is easy to coincide with politicians and important personalities. It has a total of 50 unique rooms decorated with paintings, comics, color, photographs, different themes… and its ladder, which is full of literary quotations; which is considered a historical monument.
The restaurant combines Mediterranean and German cuisine and its wine cellar offers more than a thousand references.

The price starts from 128 € for a double room

Arte Louise

 Mallorca: relax in the Mardavall Hotel & Spa

The Balearic Islands are one of the most desirable destinations in the world. Take advantage of the low season to enjoy one of the best hotels in its geography. Located in Mallorca, this impressive five star hotel, that is a member for “The Luxury Collection”, it is the best place to get lost and disconnected from the world. The hotel is situated on the seafront, just 1 km from Puerto Portals, and its typical Mediterranean architecture is really gorgeous. The rooms and the common areas are decorated with original works by artists from Mallorca such as Adolf  B. Gil, Biel Bover, Gust Graas or Jose Tobal. Its Altira Spa (4,700 m2) is an oasis of comfort and relaxation: thalassotherapy, oriental medicine, shiatsu, massage and an indoor swimming pool of sea water…Its large rooms and suites are equipped with soft bathrobes, silky kimonos and satin sheets brands from Christian Fischbacher. In the restaurant, which is called S’Aigua, you can enjoy the exclusive Functional Eating concept.
The price ranges between 367€ and 4,377€ per room.

Mardavall Hotel Spa

Paris: The Ritz, an icon of luxury

This legendary hotel is considered one the best in the world. Icon of elegance, luxury and good taste, the Ritz is accessible only to the privileged pockets. Located on the Vendome Place in Paris, its creator, Cesar Ritz, made his dream come true building a hotel that would be a reference in all Europe. And he succeeded it as there is not a self-respecting European capital which does not have a Ritz. In its guest list were illustrious figures such as Marcel Proust, F. Fiztgeral Scott, Ernest Hemingway or Coco Chanel. In the song “Putting on the Ritz” by Fred Astaire he made famous this expression which means “get dressed up.” Also, the famous cocktail “Bloody Mary” was created at the Ritz.In summary, the premises of this hotel are: the obsessed with detail, the perfection and the beauty.
The cheapest room costs about 650 €.

Valentine’s Day in Verona – Where romance and passion take over

With Saint Valentine’s Day nearing I was reminded of a trip I took during the same time last year. The destination was Verona, Italy. I had never been there before and I was visiting with my girlfriend to celebrate the significance of the day. I mean, what better place to celebrate Valentine’s than in Verona, one of the most romantic cities in Italy? Verona was in fact recommended to me by some friends, claiming it was the perfect destination for lovers and a must visit on the 14th of February, what not, with it’s expanding tourism and its appealing program, Verona in Love. They were certainly not mistaken.

Verona

The dreamlike atmosphere of the city had been immortalized by William Shakespeare, with his most famous work, Romeo and Juliet, telling the story of the sweet love and the sad end of two young lovers. As a matter of fact the first step of our trip was to visit the House of Juliet, a building of the thirteenth century with a brick façade and a Gothic portal from which we entered the small courtyard where we could admire the famous balcony the Shakespearean heroine once stood upon. After photographing the statue of Juliet, we went inside the house, decorated with frescoes that told of two young men. The House of Romeo, according to tradition, was located in Via delle Arche, and was an imposing medieval building, whose embattled walls enclosed a characteristic courtyard, which looked out on a series of Romanesque and Gothic windows. It was truly beautiful and we were both amazed.

Verona, Italy

Except for the classic tour of Romeo and Juliet, we attended a wine tasting and a mini romantic event disguised as a concert. The mood was right. Then we bought a ‘seal of love’, a certificate with our names handwritten in Gothic script bound and held together by wax, symbolising bond and an eternal promise. Later we were reminded that romance and charity go together, or at least they did in the “Message of the Heart”. In the Courtyard of the Old Market all lovers wrote a sentence or a message on the large bulletin board and the proceeds would be donated to “Friends of Project Roberto” for the children of the Dominican Republic. Of course we also took part.

Verona view from the castle

Afterwards I wanted to give a touch of class to our little romantic getaway, so we paid Verona’s Arena a visit and attended one of the most beautiful performances. It was actually very touching, fitting of the romantic atmosphere. Finally we attended “A Heart of Kisses”. An event where the most courageous couples enter into a special heart-shaped gazebo in the Piazza dei Signori and all have one minute of long passionate kissing, immortalized in photos. It was without a doubt fun, to say the least. A year later, though I’m no longer with that woman, I hope that as the symbolic date is nearing, she remembers the special time we had together with the same nostalgia as I do..If you want to know more about Italian cities and Sicilia then visit girasicilia.it