Tuscany and Florence in particular are widely known for two things: Chianti and Renaissance art. On a vacation to Italy, staying in Florence apartments, you will most likely spend your days appreciating famous artwork and monuments such as Michelangelo's David, Il Duomo, or the Palazzo Vecchio just to name a few. Sitting down at a nice enoteca to enjoy a good glass of Chianti is not only a great reward after a day of sightseeing, it is also one … [Read more...]
The Currywurst. A True Berlin Institution
I would lie if I would claim that I would find this a little odd, but the German cuisine is internationally widely known for its sausages. The Germans have many different kinds of it. Usually there are not being served at the table in apartments in Berlin. It is much more common that they are being sold as a quick bite on the go to which the Germans refer to as Imbiss at Imbissbuden, snack carts etc. One of the most popular and widely … [Read more...]
Adam Pervez: Travel Writer, Speaker
Photos courtesy of Adam Pervez - Adam is currently on a round the world trip (RTW), exploring his passions by traveling to remote places and learning what happiness means to people and cultures globally. He shares his experiences and thoughts on his website, the Happiness Plunge. Recently we had a chance to ask Adam about his travels and travel philosophy. Q. What is the "Happiness Plunge"? The Happiness Plunge is when … [Read more...]
Travelling with Kids: 10 Best Hostels for Families
Offering a practical and affordable place to stay, hostels are becoming increasingly appealing to travelers with children. Family hostels can offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and to really keep costs down, the self-catering kitchens are ideal places to prepare packed lunches. Most hostels offer games rooms and children will be happy watching TV in the comfortable lounge areas after a busy day of sightseeing. Hostels often organize free … [Read more...]
The Swedish Swan Incident
"Shriek, inte. Shriek, inte." In her panic, Lisa resorted to Swedish. I tried to stop shouting, but my fear flew out of my mouth in a high-pitched scream. The flap of large white wings threatened boat upheaval. We clung to our paddles. "Why the heck did I come to Sweden, anyhow?" I thought. "I might die here today." *** When I filled out the exchange student profile, I checked the box for 'no pets'. Smoking - heck yeah, I'll inhale … [Read more...]
The “Faces” of Scandinavia
DENMARK, NORWAY AND SWEDEN LAUNCH 'FACES OF SCANDINAVIA' TO SPOTLIGHT INSPIRING TRAVEL DESTINATIONS -- Online Campaign Features Travel Testimonials from Prominent Scandinavians and a Chance to Win Travel -- -- Icelandair Offers Special Deals -- NEW YORK, November 9, 2010 - VisitDenmark, Innovation Norway, VisitSweden and Icelandair have created the joint campaign 'Faces of Scandinavia' in which famous Scandinavians are promoting their … [Read more...]
65 Countries Enter Race for 2010 Foreign Language Film Oscar
Beverly Hills, CA - Sixty-five countries, including first-time entrants Ethiopia and Greenland, have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 83rd Academy Awards'. The 2010 submissions are: Albania, 'East, West, East,' Gjergj Xhuvani, director; Algeria, 'Hors la Loi' ('Outside the Law'), Rachid Bouchareb, director; Argentina, 'Carancho,' Pablo Trapero, director; Austria, 'La … [Read more...]
Top 10 European Summer Festivals
Since we're already into May, summer is right around the corner, and summer in Europe officially (kind of) means festivals. But these days, there are so many of them, it's hard to know what's good and what's not. The daddy of them all, Glastonbury, is sold out already, but here are 10 other you might want to try: Sonar, Barcelona, Spain (June 17-19): Its long title is the International Festival of Progressive Music and Multimedia Arts but … [Read more...]
Italy Story: Hostage of the Hostile Hostel
When I arrived, panting, at the three-story brick-and-steel building, I was dismayed to see a mob of backpackers crowded around the front desk. Two surly staff members were shouting at them in Italian, grabbing crumpled piles of money, and stuffing registration forms, one each, into the hundred cubby holes in the wall behind them. Each nook denoted one available bed. As I made my way to the counter, I heard one of the clerks answer the … [Read more...]
Spectacular 5 Country Scandinavian Cruise – Costa’s Atlantica
I've cruised dozens of ships on various lines and in my opinion this is as good as it gets on a mega-liner of 2200+ passengers with 920 crew. Costa's Atlantica was a floating palace of art deco furnishings, marble inlaid floors and millions of dollars invested in original works of art. It exceeded my expectations. Also I normally loose weight on cruises shunning the ships artificial fare. This time I over indulged on varied menus of fresh food. I … [Read more...]