The old shops of London

Among the things that London’s people are proud of are the markets. Most of these markets date back to mediaeval times! So in other words, they tell the history of London.

Yet, not all old markets still retain their genuine touch. A market like Borough Market, which is the oldest market in town, has lost its mediaeval glamour indeed although it still retains its Charles Dickens’s air! Currently, the market is seeing a revival as an organic produce market and film-lot.

 Some markets like Camden and Portobello are also encountering renewal. It is more like what happened in Les Halles in Paris: disrepair and displacement, followed by commercial development. Nevertheless, others have not stood up to the 21st century!

There’s a famous market in Covent Garden that has recently moved out of its central location to the wastes of Vauxhall to be replaced by a tourist-orientated market. So be sure to visit this tailored-for-you market!

The famous fish market of London is called Billingsgate. Maybe because it was famous of its bad language of its traders the government decided to move it to the Isle of Dogs, and the original waterside building was taken over by city businessmen who, indeed, are a better display for the city!

If you want to see all of these ancient markets opened and in operation you must get up early in the morning. The same rule applied for the general markets, the earlier you visit a market the better chance you have of a bargain!

Visit Viareggio in Tuscany

Today I’ll take you  to a very nice and interesting locality of Tuscany: Viareggio. This is a little but big city in the Tirrenian coast, famous not only for the beautiful sea and sand with very  organized beach areas but also for a lot of other attractions. Rich of pubs, bars, luxurious hotels, restaurants, shops and every kind of  entertainment places, Viareggio is not only a destination for summertime’s holidays ( often for celebrities): in winter too you can have a very good time going to see or to take part at the local “Mardi Gras”. The Carnevale di Viareggio is very famous and appreciate in Italy, almost like the Venetian’s one. In this days Viareggio’s streets seems like a little Rio de Janeiro, with fanciful masked wagons characterizing different politics or italian celebrity (but not limited) life’s themes, and costumed people that follow them singing, dancing and laughing!
Speaking about dance and songs, if you like music there are a lot of theatres and clubs that often accommodate very famous artists and if  you prefer opera, very near  Viareggio you can find Torre del lago Puccini, where during the summer you can assist at the Puccinian Season, with the performance of the lyric theatres of the great Giacomo Puccini, in the suggestive open theatre in front of the lake, and just near the house of the famous Italian composer.
Enjoy your holiday, in any  seasons you’ll  have it.

Your Travel to Castelsardo in Sardinia

For a funny and suggestive day of your holidays in north Sardinia, you can go to Castelsardo, a characteristic small town erecedt on an headland near Golfo dell’Asinara: it’s a tiring walk but it’s worth visiting. The village is surmounted by an amazing castle called Castel-aragonese with an awesome view and an interesting story. I think that Castelsardo it’s a very nice place because you can feel like you are living a few centuries ago thanks of his alleys where you can often see many old craftsmen weaving typical sardinian baskets and fishermen who tangle fishing nets! After this unusual day you can be very hungry but don’t worry: you can easily find good restaurants where you’ll eat sardinian food (zuppa gallurese, pulligiones, seadas…), seafood and fish, drinking a good wine, liquor made by myrtle and a strong cleare spirit distilled from grapes called “Filu e ferru” . Have a nice stay.

Nauplia to discover the Peloponneso

About 30 km. from Epidauros (one of most ancient cities of the eastern coast of Peloponneso , with a very interesting theatre and the temples of Asklepion, god of Medicine) we can find Nauplia, an enchanting little port where you can walk by very panoramic and italian stylish paths. If you look in the direction of the sea you can see the Venetian fortress that was built on XIV century as pirate’s lager and later, during the Ottoman Empire, was the hangman’s lodging! From the 70’s years this is a piece of Nauplia’s history that you can easily visit today: in fact there are little boats that go to the fortress and come back all the day long. In the summer season, you can also assist at splendid spectacles of sounds and lights. In all this friendly atmosphere and astonishing surrounding you can complete your amusing day with a good typical greek dinner drinking Krasi or Ouzo, with instrumental and vocal backing of local music: if you want it’s your chance to learn Sirtaki, the most popular dance in .

One day in Segovia

Spain

If you have one extra day before leaving Madrid, one of the most enchanting places of Castilla and of whole Spain is close at hand. Segovia can boast medieval walls, an imposing 16th century cathedral that is also the tallest building in town, a really well preserved Roman Aqueduct, a high concentration of Romanesque churches, different pedestrian streets and the famous Alcazar castle. Here Queen Isabel offered to Columbus her financial support that allowed him to organize his travel and finally discover America.
Since 1985 Segovia has been declared ‘World Heritage’ and today tourism is its main resources. In Winter seanson the Guadarrama Mountains are white for snow falls and this enhance the atmosphere of the town.
But what a pleasure to enjoy the summer breeze sitting in a sidewalk café or a small plaza without traffic.

A Week End in Toronto

 If you are visiting or planning to visit Canada chances are you will be spending some time in the capital city, Toronto. This is a city of entertainment, business, and culture. Considered a multicultural city where you will find many ethnic groups, Toronto is home to just over 4.5 million people. 

The city is often referred to as one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world and is a favorite tourist destination with its many attractions, parks, cultural areas, and recreational facilities. Toronto Boasts over 5000 restaurants, hundreds of theatre and entertainment spots. It is home to the world’s longest street and also the world’s tallest free standing structure, the CN tower.

There are also some of the finest Toronto hotels to be found in city from five star accommodations to simple room and board facilities. You can surely find a hotel taste and budget. 

When you visit Toronto if you are not a part of a tour group then it may be best to rent a car so that you can get around to all the attractions you would like to see. It will also make it easier to move around the city at your leisure. You are advised to plan the activities you want to engage in each day. Because there is so much to do here you won’t be able to get through it all without some sort of plan.

Cayman Islands small paradise in the Caribbean

 Cayman Islands maybe regarded as one of the small island countries in the Caribbean but these small islands are big paradise to visitors who seek relaxation. Cayman Brac and the Little Cayman are two of the most suitable islands that you can go to when you like to have a secluded and peaceful vacation. The Grand Cayman on the other hand provides exciting activities and nightlife. Each of the islands features mostly pretty beaches and diverse wildlife but each island has its own character. One point of interest in these islands is that these were the sites of pirate attacks along with the rich natural beaches. Cayman Brac is a haven for divers and snorkelers because of the rich marine life you can find in this island. The Little Cayman is the smallest of the 3 islands has the nicest secluded beaches and it is the home of the Red-footed Bobby Bird Nature Reserve. This makes this island famous for eco-tourists. Grand Cayman sporting the world renowned Seven Mile Beach is the busiest island.

Cayman Islands offer a large selection of hotels and beach resort, book your Cayman Islands hotels and enjoy your erlaxing vacation. Cayman Islands do not run short of exciting places to explore and activities to do. During the day time you can enjoy going to the parks and beaches to swim, dive and snorkel and during the night you can enjoy Caribbean night life at Grand Cayman. Peace and quite can also be achieved with the other more serene and smaller islands. Whatever is your point of interest, surely you will find it here in these islands.

A jewel of the Amalfi coast: Ravello

Ravello

Ravello is history, nature, beauty, elegance and calmness. Ravello was an important town of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi and offers, from its 350 meters above the sea level, a breathtaking view of the Amalfi coastline and of the Mediterranean Sea and for these reasons it has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
You can’t miss a visit to Ravello’s cathedral, called “Duomo”, built in the XI century with a notable bronze central door and to the fascinating Villa Cimbrone, with its “Terrace of the Infinite” which had amongst its guests W. Churchill and Greta Garbo.
Close to the cathedral, nature meets history in the famous Villa Rufolo, built by one of Ravello’s richest men; Villa Rufolo has been mentioned in Boccaccio’s Decameron and here Wagner was inspired for the stage design of his Parsifal. During the summer time it is here that takes place the famous Ravello Festival.
Not only Wagner has been fascinated by Ravello’s beauty, also Virginia Woolf, Paul Valery, Graham Greene, Rafael Alberti and many others have been struck by its astonishing views.
Ravello is also a mythical place from the origins of times; according to an ancient legend, Satan transported here Jesus during his second temptation to show him the beauty of the world…

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is a little multi-lingual, multi-cultural country situated at the center of Europe. It is a central point for rail and road traffic which are reachable within a few hours from the major European cities.
 
The people of Switzerland will be celebrating the Zurich Carnival from February 1, 2009 to March 31, 2009. This event always brings life, music, color and dancing around the streets of Swiss. Zurich Carnival is very popular both to old and young residents as well as to its visitors. This dynamic carnival includes costumed parade throughout the streets of the town with wonderful and weird guggen monster concerts.
 
Also for the entire month of March, 2009, the town of Geneva in Switzerland will host the International Motor Show. It is a showcase for top car producers such as Mercedes Benz, Ford, Ferrari, BMW and Audi. The show mostly attracts more than seven hundred thousand visitors every year.
 
There is also the Caliente Latin Festival is also very popular in Switzerland. This will be celebrated from July 1, 2009 to July 30, 2009. It features great programs of live bands, samba and salsa. The streets will be throbbed through the Latin music sounds all through the days.
 
Switzerland is such a wealthy, mountainous city that is famous for its fortunate life quality. This is not only the place for professionals, but a place developed for the entire family and it also is a trendy tourist destination.

Malta: 7000 years of history

La Valletta Malta

The first known human settlement in Malta  dates back to 5200 BC. After more or less 7000 years, in 2004 Malta joined the European Union, only 40 years after having achieved its independence. Besides its ancient history, Malta has its own traditions, language (which is also an official EU language), architecture and cuisine. You may feel attracted to Malta because of it sunny climate, its beaches, its sea.. But do not forget to search for the foundation of Malta’s capital, La Valletta, laid by the Knights of Malta in the XVI century. La Valletta is one of the world’s greatest fortified baroque cities and it has been designated as World Heritage Site in its entirety. I remember how I felt when, from Upper Barrakka Gardens, created in 1661 by an Italian Knight as a retreat for fellow knights and La Valletta’s highest point, I could take in the view of the splendid Grand harbor with the medieval cities of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cispicua in the background. You really could embrace Malta’s history. In a couple of days you can visit the most important sites around Republic Street, which runs along the lenght of the ity, from City gate to Fort St. Elmo. In the pedestrianized street, long more or less 2 km, you’ll easily fall into the remarkable St. John Cathedral, former a Knights’ conventicle church, actually one of the most ornate baroque churches of the world, which stands as a testament to the Knights’ culture and wealth. Inside St. John Cathedral, if you’ll be patient because you’ll probably have to queue for some times, you can admire one of Caravaggio’s masterpiece, ‘”The beheading of St. John the Baptist”. Half way down Republic Street have relax and a fresh drink in one of the outdoor cafés. Do not miss the Grand Master’s Palace, Malta centre of rule since 1571, nowadays seat of the Parliament (House of representatives and the President’s office). Fort St. Elmo stands at the end of the Republic Street: it owns its fame to the role played in the great siege of 1565 and in World War II. This is only a short view of La Valletta, but in Malta, as in Gozo and Comino you’ll have a lot of things to discover…